Using 5G to Integrate Heterogeneous Networks with Improved Traffic Engineering

The ability to connect heterogeneous networks using a common networking infrastructure is key to providing resilient communications in mission-critical national security and public safety situations. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G Release 15 specification includes a capability that allows any access network to interface with a 5G network using a network element called the Non-3GPP Inter-Working Function (N3IWF). In this paper, we describe a demonstration conducted in a lab testbed that shows how a tactical radio can connect to a 5G network using the 3GPP-compliant N3IWF element. Additionally, we present a novel architecture for implementing the Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) feature detailed in 3GPP Release 16, and provide experimental results that highlight the resulting performance gains. The operational experience and guidance captured in this paper will benefit system implementors involved in making fundamental design and implementation trade-offs while interfacing non-3GPP systems with 5G networks.