User Network Program Deployment on 5G UPFs and WTRUs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack the ability for users to programmatically customize network behavior, such as security rules, service levels, and routing decisions, in a granular and real-time manner, especially in non-public and virtual networks like 5G LANs and IoT networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of user network programs that can be deployed on network devices like UPFs and WTRUs, utilizing frameworks like P4 and OpenFlow, allowing users to configure data planes and influence networking protocols, enabling customized security, service levels, and routing decisions through SDN controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user network programs are deployed on network devices to enable granular customization of security rules, service levels, and routing decisions, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An SDN controller is introduced as an intermediary between users and network devices. The controller receives high-level customization requests from users, compiles them into network programs using frameworks like P4 or OpenFlow, and deploys these programs to appropriate network devices (UPFs, WTRUs). This mediator approach allows users to customize network behavior without directly configuring complex device parameters, thus improving adaptability while shielding users from device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network programming functionality is segmented into distinct components: user-facing configuration interfaces, program compilation engines, deployment management systems, and device execution environments. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of customization independently, reducing the complexity burden on individual network devices while maintaining overall system adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network programs are compiled and deployed to multiple target devices, then adaptability improves, but the complexity of program management and deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller implements a universal program management system that can compile, validate, and deploy network programs to multiple different target device types (UPFs, WTRUs, gateways) through standardized interfaces. The controller adapts the same program compilation and deployment workflow to different device architectures, providing multi-functionality that reduces management complexity despite deploying to diverse devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes deployment parameters dynamically based on target device characteristics. The SDN controller analyzes device capabilities, memory constraints, and processing powers, then adjusts compilation flags, optimization levels, and resource allocation parameters accordingly. This parameter adaptation allows the same network program to be efficiently deployed across devices with varying capabilities without requiring separate management procedures for each device type.
3Ease of operation
If real-time network customization is enabled through user network programs, then ease of operation improves, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller performs preliminary compilation and validation of network programs before deployment. Programs are pre-compiled into optimized machine code, and resource requirements are pre-calculated and allocated. This preliminary action reduces runtime overhead, allowing real-time network customization without significant processing delays during actual deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and manages copies of network programs in different formats and optimization levels. The SDN controller maintains source code versions, compiled binary versions, and device-specific adapted versions simultaneously. When deployment is required, the appropriate pre-prepared copy is selected and transferred, minimizing compilation time during real-time operations while maintaining ease of operation for users.
Data Source
AI summary
Procedures, methods, architectures, apparatuses, systems, devices, and computer program products directed to network programming are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a method for operating a user network program on a WTRU/UPF, comprises: A method for operating a user network program on a WTRU/UPF, the method comprising: deploying a network program instance based on a network program including network information elements (IEs); receiving a data packet from a source; associating IEs with the data packet; forwarding the data packet to the network program instance; upon reception of a data packet from the network program instance, retrieving IEs associated with the data packet; and forwarding the data packet to a destination according to the IEs. forwarding the data packet to a destination according to the IEs.