5G BSF Session Revalidation Using PCF Subscription Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication networks, the Binding Support Function (BSF) lacks a reliable mechanism to determine the validity of PDU and UE sessions, leading to the accumulation of stale binding records that waste resources and cause performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
Implement a subscription-based session validation system where the BSF initiates a revalidation timer for each session, sends notification requests to the Policy Control Function (PCF), and deletes invalid binding records based on responses, with features for handling unavailable PCFs and setting revalidation thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the BSF maintains binding records for all PDU and UE sessions, then session management capability is improved, but resource waste and performance degradation occur due to stale records
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic session validation by the BSF, where binding records are revalidated at scheduled intervals through subscription-based validation. This periodic action ensures stale records are identified and removed systematically, balancing session management reliability with resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the BSF receives validation results from PCF about session status. Based on this feedback, the BSF determines whether to retain or remove binding records. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of record retention, preventing resource waste while maintaining necessary session management capabilities.
2Reliability
If the BSF periodically validates session validity, then accumulation of stale binding records is prevented, but additional signaling overhead and processing load are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the PCF as an intermediary in the validation process. Instead of the BSF directly determining session validity, it requests validation from the PCF, which has direct knowledge of active sessions. This intermediary approach simplifies the BSF's complexity while maintaining reliable session validity detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation mechanism leverages the PCF's existing session management capabilities to perform self-validation. The PCF independently determines whether sessions are active based on its own state, eliminating the need for complex validation logic in the BSF and reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If the BSF deletes binding records when sessions are invalid, then resource efficiency is improved, but risk of deleting valid records increases without reliable validation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based deletion mechanism where the BSF receives explicit validation results from the PCF before deleting binding records. The PCF confirms session invalidity before the BSF removes records, ensuring that only truly stale records are deleted. This feedback loop maintains binding record accuracy while improving resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to systems and methods for validating 5G sessions at a binding support function (BSF) based on subscription-based notifications. In certain embodiments, a BSF system may comprise one or more processors, and a memory having stored thereon instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to create a binding record associated with a 5G communication session, receive a subscription request from a Policy Control Function (PCF) for a session revalidation event associated with the 5G communication session, and initiate a revalidation timer based on the subscription request. The BSF system may send a notification request to the PCF based on the revalidation timer expiring, and delete the binding record based on a response to the notification request.