5G Session Management Parallel Signaling Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, the convergence of online and offline charging causes latency during PDU session setup due to waiting for a response from the charging function, leading to wasted resources and an unfavorable customer experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a policy control function that allows the session management function to decide whether to wait for a charging data response, enabling parallel signaling and resource conservation by interacting with other network functions without waiting for the charging function's response when appropriate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the session management function waits for a charging data response from the charging function during PDU session setup, then charging accuracy is ensured, but latency increases and customer experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sending the charging data request in parallel with other PDU session setup signaling messages before waiting for the charging data response. This allows the session management function to initiate charging evaluation early in the setup process rather than waiting sequentially, thereby reducing overall setup latency while ensuring charging accuracy is maintained through subsequent response handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the PDU session setup process into independent parallel signaling paths. The charging data request is separated and transmitted independently alongside other setup messages, allowing different parts of the setup process to proceed simultaneously. This segmentation enables the system to maintain charging accuracy through dedicated charging signaling while reducing total setup time through parallel execution of non-dependent tasks.
2Reliability
If the session management function waits for charging data response during PDU session setup, then charging accuracy is ensured, but network resources are wasted due to underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
By sending the charging data request in advance and in parallel with other setup signaling, the system performs the charging evaluation preliminary to the completion of PDU session setup. This preliminary action ensures charging accuracy is established early while allowing other network resources to remain active and utilized during what would otherwise be a waiting period, thereby preventing resource waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuity of useful action by maintaining parallel signaling paths that keep network functions active and productive throughout the PDU session setup process. Instead of idle waiting periods where resources are underutilized, the system continues to process other setup messages and signaling in parallel, ensuring continuous useful action across the network while charging accuracy is maintained through the dedicated charging request-response path.
3Loss of time
If parallel signaling is implemented during PDU session setup, then latency is reduced and resources are conserved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages signaling complexity through segmentation by dividing the PDU session setup into distinct parallel signaling paths. The charging data request and response form one segmented path, while other setup messages form separate paths. This segmentation allows the system to implement parallel signaling and reduce latency while maintaining manageable complexity within each individual signaling path, as each segment can be processed and managed independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A first network device may receive a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment or modification request, and may perform one or more actions based on the PDU session establishment or modification request. The first network device may receive, based on performing the one or more actions, a first message indicating that the PDU session is authenticated and authorized, and may select a second network device associated with establishing or modifying a management policy for the PDU session. The first network device may receive, from the second network device, a second message indicating whether to wait for receipt of a charging data response, to a charging data request, before interacting with a third network device, and may provide the charging data request to a fourth network device while interacting with the third network device when the second message indicates not to wait for receipt of the charging data response.