Wireless Network Controller Operator-Specific Tunnels
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-operator wireless networking scenarios, the independent IP address management by different operators can lead to overlapping IP addresses, necessitating separate WLANs for each operator, resulting in increased RF overhead and management complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integrating mobile access gateway functionality into a wireless network controller to create operator-specific tunnels within a shared WLAN, allowing correct packet forwarding despite overlapping IP addresses, eliminating the need for separate WLANs for each operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate WLANs are created for each operator to avoid IP address conflicts, then IP address management reliability is improved, but device complexity and RF overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operator networks into a single shared WLAN infrastructure. Instead of maintaining separate WLANs for each operator, the system allows multiple operators to coexist on the same physical network using overlay networks and network virtualization techniques. This reduces infrastructure complexity while maintaining IP address management reliability through logical separation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as network virtualization layers, overlay networks, and centralized IP address management systems that mediate between multiple operators and the shared WLAN infrastructure. These intermediaries enable logical separation and IP address coordination without requiring physical network separation.
2Reliability
If separate WLANs are created for each operator to avoid IP address conflicts, then network operation reliability is improved, but RF overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operator WLANs into a single shared physical infrastructure, eliminating redundant radio frequency transmissions and access points. By allowing operators to share the same RF medium through logical separation mechanisms, the system reduces overall RF overhead and energy consumption while maintaining reliable network operations through virtualization and overlay networks.
3Device complexity
If a shared WLAN is used by multiple operators with overlapping IP addresses, then device complexity is reduced, but packet forwarding reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared WLAN into multiple logical networks or virtual networks, each associated with a specific operator. Through network virtualization and overlay networks, the system creates distinct logical forwarding domains within the shared physical infrastructure, enabling reliable packet forwarding despite overlapping IP addresses by maintaining separate forwarding tables and routing contexts for each operator.
4Device complexity
If a shared WLAN is used by multiple operators, then management complexity increases, but infrastructure cost decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal shared WLAN infrastructure that serves multiple operators simultaneously. Through network virtualization and multi-tenancy mechanisms, the system allows a single physical network to fulfill multiple operator requirements, reducing infrastructure costs while managing complexity through centralized control and automated resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-operator networking techniques are provided for allowing two or more operators to share a wireless local area network (WLAN). In particular, mobile access gateway functionality is integrated in a wireless network controller of a WLAN that is accessible to first and second operators. Operator-specific tunnels are created through the network for each of the first and second operators that link a core network of each of the first and second operators with an associated client device. Packets are then forwarded between the core networks of the first and second operators and their associated client devices via the operator-specific tunnels.