6G Data Plane Architecture for Service Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation wireless communication systems, such as 5G and 6G, face complexities in data plane management due to the need to meet diverse and often conflicting performance dimensions and services, leading to challenges in data management and transmission.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a 6G data plane architecture that includes control functions like Data Control Function (DCF), Data Service Function (DSF), and Service Orchestration and Chaining Function (SOCF) to manage data services, registration, and transmission efficiently, using data identifiers and service APIs for data transfer between user equipment (UE) and network functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unified network system is designed to meet vastly different performance dimensions and services, then service versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network system into multiple specialized network functions (AMF for mobility management, SMF for session management, UPF for user plane routing, PCF for policy control, etc.). Each function handles a specific aspect of network operations, allowing the system to support diverse services through composition of these modular functions rather than requiring a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a service-based architecture where network functions can be instantiated multiple times and combined in different configurations to support various services. The same set of standardized network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, AUSF, UDM, NRF, NSSF) can serve multiple different service types (enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low-latency communication, massive IoT, etc.) through flexible instantiation and orchestration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data plane management handles diverse services with conflicting requirements, then service coverage is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Service Communication Proxy (SCP) acts as an intermediary in the data plane, receiving data from user equipment and routing it to the appropriate network function based on service type and requirements. The SCP handles service matching, routing decisions, and coordination between different network functions, simplifying data plane management by centralizing these complex routing and service matching functions in a dedicated intermediary component.
Solution Approach 2:
The network functions are designed with self-descriptive service information and self-configuration capabilities. The Service Registration Function (SRF) enables network functions to automatically register their services and capabilities with the Service Communication Proxy, which then automatically routes data based on this registered information. This self-service mechanism reduces manual configuration and management complexity while supporting diverse services.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and system are described for data transfer between a user equipment (UE) and Data Storage Function (DSF) in a 6G system. The data transfer occurs via a control and/or user plane using a data ID and data filter defined using data ID, metadata, data source, and labeling. User plane data transfer is based on a protocol data unit (PDU) or a standalone data session. The DSF provides data services by service application programming interfaces (APIs). A Service Infrastructure Control Function (SICF) configures routing policies to an evolved Service Communication Proxy User Plane (eSCP-U) to route data inquiries to the correct DSF using a service mesh.