Virtual Endpoint for 5G to TSN Interworking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack effective interworking between 5G wireless communication networks and Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) networks, resulting in unguaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) for end-to-end connectivity, particularly in industrial settings where deterministic networking is required.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Virtual Endpoint (VEP) in the 5G user plane with specific user and control plane features from the TSN network to map and manage data traffic based on Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, enabling end-to-end connectivity between 5G and TSN networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 5G wireless network is used to connect devices to TSN network, then wireless connectivity is achieved, but QoS cannot be guaranteed for end-to-end communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless connectivityVSAvoidQoS guarantee

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Virtual Endpoint (VEP) as an intermediary component in the 5G user plane that acts as a mediator between wireless and wired TSN networks. The VEP implements TSN features such as time synchronization and time-aware queuing in the 5G network, enabling QoS guarantee for end-to-end communication while maintaining wireless connectivity flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The VEP performs multiple functions: it synchronizes time with TSN network, implements time-aware queuing for deterministic latency, maps TSN streams to 5G QoS flows, and manages both wireless and wired network protocols. This multi-functionality allows a single component to bridge the gap between 5G wireless and TSN wired networks with guaranteed QoS

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If TSN features are distributed in the network, then network flexibility is improved, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple TSN features (time synchronization, time-aware queuing, stream management) into a single Virtual Endpoint component in the 5G user plane. This merging reduces the complexity of distributed configuration by centralizing TSN functionality while maintaining the flexibility to support various TSN network topologies and deployment scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If QoS configurations are performed over air interface, then device connectivity is enabled, but network complexity and configuration overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice connectivityVSAvoidconfiguration overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The VEP performs QoS configuration and TSN feature setup in advance during network attachment or PDU session establishment, rather than requiring ongoing configurations over the air interface. This preliminary action enables devices to connect with guaranteed QoS while minimizing configuration overhead during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12177715B2Methods for interworking between wireless and wired communication networks

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A Virtual Endpoint and a method therein for enabling end-to-end connectivity between a wireless communication network and a wired communication network are disclosed. A Virtual Endpoint is implemented in the wireless communication network and certain user and control plane features used in the wired communication network are implemented in the VEP. The VEP maps data traffic between a device in the wireless communication network and a device in the wired communication network based on Quality-of-Service (QoS) and performs required actions defined by the features used in the wired communication network.