5G CHF Selection Using UDM Group IDs for Faster Session Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in 5G wireless networks is the high latency and signaling overhead during Charging Function (CHF) discovery procedures, which are necessary for registration and session setup, leading to delays in PDU session establishment.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Unified Data Management (UDM) function that stores a CHF group ID for user equipment (UE) devices, allowing Network Functions (NFs) to select a CHF based on this ID from a cache without performing NRF discovery, reducing the need for extensive signaling and latency by using a CHF group ID for UE devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If NRF discovery procedure is performed for CHF selection, then CHF can be discovered, but signaling overhead and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCHF discovery capabilityVSAvoidsession establishment latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The UDM function pre-stores CHF group ID information in the user subscription data before actual CHF discovery is needed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time NRF discovery procedures, directly reducing session establishment latency while maintaining reliable CHF selection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If NRF discovery procedure is performed for CHF selection, then CHF can be discovered, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCHF discovery capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential CHF identification information (CHF group ID) from the complex NRF discovery procedure and stores it in advance in the UDM function. This extraction eliminates unnecessary signaling exchanges with the NRF, reducing signaling overhead while preserving the ability to reliably discover and select the appropriate CHF

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of time

If CHF group ID is stored and cached, then CHF selection latency is reduced, but UDM function complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCHF selection latencyVSAvoidUDM function complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UDM function, which already performs user data management and subscription information storage, is extended to also store CHF group ID information. This multi-functional use of the existing UDM component avoids adding separate complex storage systems, thereby reducing CHF selection latency with minimal increase in overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12549936B2Systems and methods to optimize registration and session establishment in a wireless network

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A user equipment (UE) device may include a processor configured to receive a request associated with a user equipment (UE) device and obtain subscription information associated with the UE device from a subscription management device, wherein the subscription information includes a charging function (CHF) group identifier associated with the UE device, in response to receiving the request. The processor may be further configured to select a CHF for the UE device based on the CHF group identifier and send a message associated with the request to the selected CHF.