Virtual Mobile Core Network Service Control Across 3GPP and WLAN

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems lack the ability to provide a communication service tailored to the specific network type to which a terminal is connected, such as non-3GPP and 3GPP access networks, limiting flexibility and efficiency in service provision.

Innovation Solution

A data center system that includes a virtual core network capable of virtualizing core network functions and selectively controlling services based on the network connection type, allowing terminals to choose between a base station or wireless LAN for connectivity, with integrated packet filtering and QoS management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal connects to a core network through a base station or wireless LAN, then communication service is provided, but the system cannot adapt services to different network types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice adaptation to network typeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The core network functions are segmented into virtualized network functions (VNFs) that can be independently deployed and managed. This segmentation allows the system to selectively activate specific network functions based on the terminal's connection type (base station or wireless LAN), enabling service adaptation without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal service gateway that can handle multiple types of network connections (both base station and wireless LAN) through a single unified interface. This multi-functional gateway adapts services dynamically based on the connection type, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each network type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If core network functions are virtualized, then flexibility and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provision efficiencyVSAvoidvirtualization management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple virtualized network functions are merged into a unified virtual core network architecture that shares common infrastructure resources. This consolidation improves productivity by efficient resource utilization while managing complexity through a unified management plane that orchestrates all VNFs centrally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a service gateway as an intermediary layer between the virtualized network functions and external networks. This mediator simplifies complexity by providing a standardized interface that abstracts the underlying virtualization complexity, allowing efficient service provision without exposing the full complexity of the virtualized architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If services are selectively controlled based on network connection type, then charging and QoS are optimized, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective service controlVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service gateway implements dynamic service control that automatically adjusts network parameters, charging policies, and QoS settings based on the detected connection type. This dynamic adaptation enables optimized charging and QoS for different networks without manual intervention, managing control complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the service gateway continuously monitors connection type and network conditions, then adjusts service parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control optimizes charging and QoS based on real-time information while managing complexity through automated feedback-driven adjustments rather than complex manual control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4683355A1Data center including virtual mobile core network
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 NEC CORP
  • EP4683355A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4683355A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4683355A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A data center adapted to connect via a first wide area network to a core network connected with a base station and to a wireless LAN, variably controls service provided in a virtual core network of the data center to a terminal enabled to select connection to either a wireless LAN or a base station and connect to the data center.