Virtual Network Functions in Wireless Devices Without Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless devices have pre-defined functions that limit flexibility and fast deployment of new network features, requiring lengthy standardization processes and leading to slow innovation in mobile networks due to fixed relations between devices and networks.
Innovation Solution
Deploy virtual network functions from a network node to a wireless device using a virtual driver, enabling rapid deployment of new network functions without standardization, allowing for immediate updates and modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new network features are introduced through standardization processes, then network functionality is improved, but deployment time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action by pre-configuring wireless devices with a virtual driver environment and necessary software components during manufacturing. This allows the device to receive and execute virtual network functions (VNFs) before actual network deployment, eliminating the need for lengthy standardization processes. The virtual driver is prepared in advance to load and run VNFs directly when deployed to the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating virtual instances of network functions that can be replicated and deployed across multiple devices. Instead of physically updating device hardware or firmware through standardization, the system copies VNFs from a central repository to the virtual driver environment in wireless devices. This allows rapid deployment of network features by simply copying software images rather than going through lengthy standardization cycles.
2Reliability
If wireless devices use pre-defined functions from standards, then device compatibility is improved, but flexibility for new features is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions into two parts: standardized core functions that ensure compatibility and virtual network functions (VNFs) that provide flexibility. The virtual driver environment separates the standardized device interface from the flexible VNF layer, allowing devices to maintain compatibility with standard protocols while enabling deployment of new features through VNFs. This segmentation allows independent updates of VNFs without affecting device hardware or standard compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a universal virtual driver environment that can execute multiple different VNFs on the same wireless device. The virtual driver acts as a universal platform that can load and run various network functions including both standardized protocols and experimental new features. This allows a single device model to support multiple functions and standard versions, eliminating the need for different device models for different feature sets.
3Stability of the object's composition
If new network functions are deployed through standardization, then network stability is improved, but innovation speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making network functions flexible and changeable through the VNF architecture. Instead of static, standardized functions that require lengthy update cycles, the system allows dynamic loading, updating, and removal of VNFs in the virtual driver environment. Network functions can be dynamically adjusted based on current needs, enabling rapid innovation while maintaining stability through the standardized interface layer that remains constant.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless device (100), a network node (102A) and methods therein, for enabling network functions in the wireless device when communicating with a wireless network (102, 104). The wireless device (100) downloads software comprising virtualised network functions from the network node (102A), and stores the downloaded software in a driver space in the wireless device. The wireless device can then perform communications with the wireless network using the virtualised network functions of the downloaded software as a virtual driver in the wireless device. Thereby, new network functions can be deployed in the wireless device by means of the virtual driver which controls the device in collaboration with the network, and the functions can be implemented without standardization.