5G Session Establishment With Slice-Aware UPF Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a 5G network architecture, managing and configuring the N4 interface addresses of multiple slice instances deployed in UPF network elements becomes complex, leading to difficulties in networking and maintenance, especially in scenarios with a large number of slice instances.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable the SMF network element to select and manage multiple slice instances deployed in a single UPF network element through centralized management using slice information, such as S-NSSAI or NSI IDs, allowing for unified N4 interface management and independent F-TEID allocation for each slice instance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple slice instances are deployed in separate UPF network elements, then each slice instance can be independently managed, but the quantity of N4 interface addresses increases greatly, making networking and maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple slice instances are merged into a single UPF network element, allowing them to share common infrastructure including the N4 interface address, control plane functions, and management resources. This consolidation maintains slice instance independence for service management while eliminating the need for separate N4 interface addresses for each slice, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If multiple slice instances are deployed in a single UPF network element, then N4 interface address quantity is reduced, but selecting and managing the appropriate slice instance becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of slice instance identification fields and selection criteria within the session establishment request. This intermediary layer enables the SMF to efficiently identify and select the appropriate slice instance from the UPF based on predefined attributes such as slice type, service requirements, or load conditions, thereby simplifying the management operation without compromising selection accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If slice information is carried in the session establishment request, then centralized management of slice instances is enabled, but the processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring slice instance attributes, selection criteria, and routing rules in the UPF network element before session establishment occurs. When a session establishment request arrives with slice information, the UPF can immediately match the request against pre-established criteria and routes, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making and reducing processing overhead while maintaining centralized management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A session establishment method, applied to a session management function network element, includes sending a session establishment request to a target user plane function network element. The session establishment request includes first slice information of a target slice instance. The first slice information indicates the target user plane function network element to select the target slice instance from a plurality of slice instances deployed in the target user plane function network element, to perform session establishment processing. The method also includes receiving a session establishment response sent by the target user plane function network element. The method further includes performing session establishment processing based on the session establishment response.