5G Multiple Registration Control for Selective EPS Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G systems face inefficiencies in managing multiple registrations with legacy EPS networks, particularly during inter-system changes or network handovers, due to unclear decisions on which registrations to maintain and the lack of efficient EPS interworking processes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves user equipment (UE) requesting EPS interworking (IWK) for specific registrations, with the access and mobility management function (AMF) and unified data management (UDM) determining whether to allow EPS IWK based on subscription data, system capabilities, and radio access technology, enabling efficient switching and steering of traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple registrations are supported in 5G system, then service continuity and connectivity options are improved, but network complexity and handover management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the registration management function by introducing separate registration identifiers (REG-IDs) for different access types (3GPP and non-3GPP). This allows the network to track and manage multiple registrations independently, resolving the complexity of handling multiple services while maintaining service continuity through structured segmentation of registration information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) as an intermediary that receives registration requests from the UE, determines the appropriate registration type, and manages the registration process. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system complexity by centralizing the decision-making logic for registration management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If EPS interworking is enabled for all registrations, then network coverage and service availability are improved, but computational overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling EPS interworking selectively based on the specific registration characteristics and UE capabilities rather than applying it universally. The AMF evaluates each registration request individually, determining whether EPS interworking is appropriate based on the access type and UE capabilities, thus optimizing processing efficiency while maintaining necessary network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by enabling EPS interworking only when necessary and appropriate, rather than for all registrations. The AMF determines based on UE capabilities and registration context whether to proceed with EPS interworking, avoiding unnecessary processing overhead while maintaining service availability where needed.
3Speed
If automatic EPS interworking decision is implemented, then handover speed is improved, but loss of control over registration selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the AMF receives registration requests from the UE, evaluates them against predefined criteria (UE capabilities, access type, network conditions), and makes informed decisions about EPS interworking. This feedback loop maintains control flexibility by allowing the network to adjust registration handling based on real-time conditions while achieving fast handovers through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for enabling splitting, switching, and steering of access traffic in a system, e.g., a fifth-generation (5G) system. Access and mobility management functions (AMF) of the 5G system forward one or more of the registration requests to unified data management (UDM) functions of the PLMNs. UDM function determines whether evolved packet system (EPS) interworking (IWK) is allowed for respective registration requests based on subscription, deployment, system capabilities, a radio access technology (RAT) of an access path between the UE and the 5G system, etc. UE can include an indication that EPS IWK is requested and/or required in a registration request.