Virtual 4G RAN for 5G NSA Deployment Without Physical Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of 5G non-standalone (NSA) radio access systems faces challenges in requiring significant capital and operational expenditures, as well as vendor lock-in, due to the need for new or upgraded 4G radio access networks to support 5G NSA architecture, especially in terms of spectrum allocation and infrastructure updates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual 4G radio access node that provides a logical master connection using an internet protocol connection, allowing for dual connectivity with a 5G RAN without the need for physical upgrades or new infrastructure, enabling 5G NSA deployments independently of existing 4G infrastructure vendors and spectrum allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new 5G NSA compatible 4G RAN is deployed, then 5G NSA architecture can be supported, but capital expenditure and operational expenditure increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the 4G RAN functionality through software implementation on existing infrastructure. Instead of deploying physical hardware, the solution uses virtualization to replicate the master connection controller functions, thereby supporting 5G NSA architecture without the capital expenditure of new physical deployments
Solution Approach 2:
The existing 4G RAN infrastructure is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve dual purposes: maintaining its original 4G services while simultaneously providing the master connection control function for 5G NSA architecture. This universal approach eliminates the need for dedicated new hardware
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing 4G RAN is updated to support 5G NSA architecture, then 5G NSA can be enabled, but significant investment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of hardware upgrades with a software-based virtualization approach. Instead of physically updating or replacing RAN components, the solution implements virtualized network functions that run on existing infrastructure, thereby eliminating operational expenditure on hardware updates
3Quantity of substance
If existing 4G RAN is used without updates, then no additional investment is needed, but open interface to 5G RAN is not supported causing vendor lock-in
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual 4G RAN layer that acts as an intermediary between the existing physical 4G RAN and the 5G RAN. This virtual layer provides the necessary open interfaces and protocol translations, enabling vendor independence and interoperability without requiring physical infrastructure changes or additional investment
Data Source
AI summary
Fifth generation (5G) non-standalone (NSA) radio access system employing virtual fourth generation (4G) master connection to enable dual system data connectivity. The 5G NSA radio access system employs a virtual 4G radio access node (RAN) to provide a logical master data connection to a user mobile communications device, and a 5G RAN to provide an additional, secondary high-speed data plane between the user mobile communications device to a core network. The virtual 4G RAN does not provide an actual 4G radio connection over-the-air to the user mobile communications device. Instead, the signaling transported between the user mobile communications device and the virtual 4G RAN is provided over a non-radio connection, such as an internet protocol (IP) connection. In this manner, the deployment of the 5G NSA radio access system employing the virtual 4G RAN can be achieved without updating existing 4G RANs and/or without deploying a new 4G RAN infrastructure.