Virtualized Network Node Architecture for 5G Resource Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE network architecture is not flexible enough to meet the diverse requirements of different users, leading to suboptimal network utilization and resource management.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a new network architecture where network functions are divided and realized using software, allowing for centralized control of base stations and integration of radio resource control, packet data convergence protocol, and non-access stratum functions within a network node, enabling flexible resource scheduling and sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network functions are implemented using traditional hardware-based architecture, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional hardware-based network functions with virtualized software implementations running on general-purpose computing platforms. This substitution enables flexible resource allocation and dynamic network configuration while maintaining system reliability through virtualization management and orchestration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic network function virtualization where network services can be dynamically instantiated, migrated, and scaled based on demand. This allows the network to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining stable operations through controlled virtualization management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If network functions are virtualized and centralized, then adaptability and resource sharing are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple network functions into centralized virtualized network functions (VNFs) that can be shared across multiple base stations. This merging reduces overall system complexity by eliminating redundant hardware while maintaining adaptability through software-based function deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal virtualized network function platforms that can perform multiple network functions through software configuration. This multi-functionality approach allows a single physical platform to serve various network roles, reducing the need for specialized hardware and simplifying system deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If specialized hardware is used for each network function, then processing speed is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces dedicated hardware processors with virtualized processing instances that can be dynamically allocated. This substitution enables high-speed processing through optimized software implementations while improving resource utilization by allowing multiple processing instances to share physical hardware resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where processing capacity can be dynamically adjusted based on traffic demand. This allows the system to maintain high processing speeds when needed while efficiently utilizing available resources during lower demand periods through flexible virtualization management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3886472B1Base station, network node, communication system and corresponding methods

Publication Date: 2023.10.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for access of a user equipment (UE) in a communication system. The communication system includes the UE, a base station, and a network node. The base station carries out radio link control (RLC) layer and media access control (MAC) layer functions. The network node carries out packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio resource control (RRC) layer, and non-access (NAS) layer functions. The method includes the following steps. The network node receives a non-access stratum identifier of the UE or a random number generated by the UE sent from the UE through a RRC message, and the network node sends the received non-access stratum identifier or the random number to the base station, for the base station to set a UE collision dismiss identifier. Using the present disclosure, different users accessing to a network can be supported. The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services.