Virtual Router Bridging Between 5G Underlay and Overlay Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunication networks face challenges in efficiently bridging data traffic between underlay and overlay networks, particularly in 5G environments, which can lead to disruptions and suboptimal user experiences due to network failures and the need for seamless communication across different network layers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that utilizes a distributed unit (DU) of a 5G NR cellular telecommunication network associated with a central unit control plane (CU-CP) hosted on a cloud-native virtualized compute instance, coupled with virtual routers and User Plane Functions (UPFv) to establish routing protocols and bridge data traffic between underlay and overlay networks, leveraging cloud infrastructure for flexibility and resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional network architecture is used, then network stability is maintained, but network speed and bandwidth are insufficient for 5G requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into underlay and overlay layers, allowing independent optimization of each layer. The underlay provides stable routing while the overlay enables high-speed 5G services, resolving the contradiction between speed and stability through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
A new dimensional layer (overlay network) is introduced above the traditional underlay network. This adds capability for high-speed 5G transmission without disrupting the stable foundation of the underlay, enabling both speed improvement and stability maintenance simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network functions are virtualized, then deployment flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual router is designed to perform multiple functions including routing, bridging, and network address translation across both underlay and overlay networks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual router acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the interaction between underlay and overlay networks. By centralizing the bridging function in a single virtual entity, the system manages complexity rather than multiplying it across multiple distributed components.
3Reliability
If virtual routers are used to bridge networks, then connectivity between underlay and overlay is improved, but latency may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging function is extracted from the data plane and placed in the control plane of the virtual router. This separation allows rapid packet forwarding in the data plane while the control plane handles routing decisions, minimizing processing latency while maintaining reliable connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Routing tables and bridging configurations are pre-computed and cached in the virtual router before data traffic arrives. This preliminary preparation eliminates real-time computation delays, ensuring low-latency packet forwarding while maintaining robust connectivity between networks.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments are directed towards systems and methods for bridging data traffic between an underlay network and an overlay network within a wireless telecommunication network, such as a wireless 5G network. One such method including: providing access to an overlay network that includes virtual routers, wherein the overlay network is built above the underlay network, the underlay network including physical infrastructure that delivers packets; providing a UPFv that acts as an anchor for telephony voice functions; establishing routing protocols to transmit from the UPFv to one or more of the virtual routers; configuring one or more of the virtual routers to bridge an outgoing communication from the UPFv to a public cloud provider; instructing the virtual router to send the outgoing communication through the public cloud provider to the underlay network; and instructing the virtual router to receive an incoming communication from the underlay network through the public cloud provider to the UPFv.