Universal Client Framework for Non-5G Access to 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting non-5G radio equipped devices to a 5G network is complicated due to different software stacks and vendor implementations, complicating interoperability and requiring special adaptations for each target platform.
Innovation Solution
A platform independent client framework, also known as a universal software stack, uses platform specific adapters to adapt connection requests, encapsulates messages in TCP and ESP, and transmits through an IPsec tunnel, enabling 5G network access for devices without a 5G radio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices without 5G radio are connected to 5G network using traditional methods, then network connectivity is achieved, but device complexity and software adaptation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between non-5G devices and the 5G network. The gateway contains a 5G radio and software stack, acting as a mediator that handles all 5G protocol complexity while allowing simple non-5G devices to connect through basic TCP/IP communication. This resolves the contradiction by bearing the software adaptation burden on the gateway rather than on each connecting device.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed with universal functionality to support multiple types of non-5G devices (IoT devices, legacy devices, devices without 5G radio) through a single platform. It provides multi-functionality by handling authentication, encryption, protocol conversion, and data routing for diverse device types, eliminating the need for each device to implement 5G-specific software stacks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If platform specific adapters are used for each target platform, then interoperability is improved, but device complexity and implementation overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal software stack in the gateway that can adapt to multiple target platforms (Android, iOS, Linux, embedded systems) through a single codebase. Rather than requiring separate implementations for each platform, the gateway's software stack provides universal compatibility, reducing implementation overhead while maintaining interoperability across diverse device ecosystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway creates virtual representations or copies of 5G network interfaces and protocols that can be accessed by different device types through standardized APIs. This allows the same software stack to serve multiple platforms by presenting a unified interface layer that abstracts away platform-specific differences.
3Reliability
If security protocols (IPsec tunnel, ESP encapsulation) are implemented, then network security is improved, but processing overhead and message transmission complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a security intermediary that implements IPsec tunnels and ESP encapsulation on its side rather than requiring each connecting device to implement complex security protocols. The gateway handles key management, encryption, and tunnel establishment, while non-5G devices simply communicate through the secured channel without needing to understand the underlying security mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway's security implementation is self-contained and automatically manages security associations, cryptographic operations, and tunnel maintenance without requiring intervention or complex configuration from connecting devices. The security infrastructure serves itself by automatically negotiating and maintaining protected communication channels.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein to implement a platform independent client framework, which may also be known as a universal software stack. A computer-implemented method for may be used when seeking to connect a device without a 5G radio, such as a 3GPP device, to a 5G network. The device seeking to connect to the 5G network sends a connection request message to the platform independent client framework. Based on the connection request message, the platform independent client framework requests a platform specific adapter, which is then used to create an adapted message. The platform independent client framework then encapsulates the adapted message. The adapted message is then encapsulated to create a first encapsulated message. The first encapsulated message is then encapsulated in an internet protocol security protocol to create a second encapsulated message. The second encapsulated message is then transmitted to the 5G network.