5G Paging via N3IWF to Cut Unnecessary Radio Resource Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G communication networks face inefficiencies in radio resource utilization for paging operations, particularly when User Equipment (UE) is reachable through non-3GPP access networks, leading to unnecessary resource expenditure and connectivity status detection failures.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting paging messages through non-3GPP access networks, enabling UE to send notification responses to the 5G core network when unable to initiate service requests over 3GPP access, and detecting connectivity status through a Non-3GPP Inter Working Function (N3IWF) to optimize resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paging messages are transmitted through 3GPP access networks, then all UEs can be reached reliably, but radio resources are wasted when UEs are actually reachable through non-3GPP access networks
Solution Approach 1:
The N3IWF acts as an intermediary between the core network and non-3GPP access networks, enabling the core network to page UEs through non-3GPP access networks instead of always using 3GPP access networks. This mediator translates and forwards paging messages appropriately, allowing selective paging based on UE availability and reducing unnecessary radio resource consumption on 3GPP networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the paging transmission parameter by selecting different access network types (3GPP vs non-3GPP) based on UE connectivity status. The core network determines which access network type to use for paging by checking UE registration information and connectivity status, dynamically adjusting the paging path to optimize resource usage while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the network continuously pages UEs through 3GPP access, then connectivity can be maintained, but unnecessary repeated transmissions occur when UEs are unreachable
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the N3IWF and core network monitor UE connectivity status through registration updates and paging responses. When a UE is unreachable or disconnects from non-3GPP access, the network receives feedback about this status and adjusts subsequent paging behavior accordingly, avoiding repeated futile transmissions and freeing up time for productive operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The core network performs preliminary checks of UE connectivity status and registration information before initiating paging operations. By proactively determining whether a UE is reachable through non-3GPP access networks based on prior registration data, the network avoids unnecessary paging transmissions and prepares appropriate paging paths in advance.
3Loss of energy
If paging is performed through non-3GPP access networks, then radio resources are saved, but the system complexity increases due to multi-access network management
Solution Approach 1:
The N3IWF is designed with multi-functionality to handle both 3GPP and non-3GPP access network interactions, translation of signaling messages, and UE connectivity management across different access types. This universal component consolidates the complexity of managing multiple access networks into a single entity, allowing the core network to page UEs through either access type without requiring separate complex management systems for each.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments herein provide methods and systems for performing paging operation in 5G communication networks. The 5G core network can transmit a NAS message to a UE through a N3GPP access network, if the UE is reachable through the N3GPP access network. The NAS message can be sent by the 5G core network to the N3IWF. The N3IWF can send the NAS message to the UE, through the N3GPP access network. The UE can send a service request over 3GPP access, in response to the NAS message, to the 5G core network, through a 5G RAN. If the UE is not having access to the 5G RAN, then the UE can transmit a notification response message to the 5G core network, indicating the inability to transmit a service request. The transmission of NAS message through the N3IWF can lead to a significant saving of radio resources.