VLAN ID Provisioning in 5G Core Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks, particularly 5G systems, lack a dynamic method for allocating IEEE 802.1Q virtual local area network identifiers (VLAN IDs) to user equipment (UE) devices, relying on manual configuration which is inefficient and error-prone, especially when scaling for a large number of devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a VLAN Function within the core network that dynamically allocates VLAN IDs to UE devices, allowing them to access VLAN networks through mechanisms such as PDU Session establishment requests and VLAN DNN acquisition processes, enabling on-demand allocation and management of VLAN IDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration of VLAN IDs is used in wireless communication networks, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates and loss of time increases due to inefficient allocation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The network function automatically performs VLAN ID allocation without requiring manual configuration. The system self-services by receiving PDU session establishment requests, determining authorized VLAN IDs based on subscriber data, and automatically provisioning these IDs to user equipment, thereby eliminating manual intervention and improving allocation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
VLAN ID allocation is performed in advance during PDU session establishment before actual data transmission begins. The network function determines and provisions the appropriate VLAN ID as a preliminary step, ensuring that VLAN connectivity is ready before the user equipment needs to access the network, thus improving overall productivity
2Reliability
If manual configuration of VLAN IDs is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to human error in allocation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The network function implements a feedback mechanism by retrieving subscriber data from the unified data repository, determining the appropriate VLAN ID based on this data, and using this information to automatically provision the correct VLAN ID to the user equipment. This closed-loop process eliminates manual errors and ensures accurate VLAN ID allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines and allocates VLAN IDs based on subscriber data without human intervention. This self-service approach ensures consistent and error-free allocation by relying on automated decision-making logic rather than manual configuration, thereby improving reliability
3Extent of automation
If dynamic allocation of VLAN IDs is implemented, then productivity is improved and automation is increased, but device complexity worsens due to additional network functions required
Solution Approach 1:
The network function performs multiple functions including receiving PDU session establishment requests, retrieving subscriber data from the unified data repository, determining authorized VLAN IDs, and provisioning these IDs to user equipment. By consolidating these diverse tasks into a single multi-functional entity, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing overall network complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The network function acts as an intermediary between the unified data repository and the user equipment. It retrieves subscriber data from the repository, processes this information to determine appropriate VLAN IDs, and then provisions these IDs to the user equipment. This intermediary role automates the provisioning process while managing complexity through a centralized coordination point
4Loss of time
If manual VLAN ID configuration is used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to inefficient allocation for large numbers of devices
Solution Approach 1:
VLAN ID allocation is performed in advance during PDU session establishment before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary provisioning ensures that when user equipment needs to access the network, the appropriate VLAN ID is already assigned and ready, eliminating time-consuming manual configuration and enabling rapid deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The network function automatically performs VLAN ID allocation without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability enables the system to handle large numbers of devices simultaneously and efficiently, dramatically reducing the time required for VLAN ID allocation compared to manual processes
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a New Radio (NR) core network system comprises a set of network functions to: receive a request from a user equipment (UE) device comprising a virtual local area network data network name (VLAN DNN); determine whether the UE device is authorized to access a particular VLAN implemented on the core network and associated with the VLAN DNN; and cause a message comprising a VLAN identifier (VLAN ID) to be transmitted to the UE device based on a determination that the UE device is authorized to access the particular VLAN, wherein the VLAN ID corresponds to the particular VLAN.