Always-on PDU Session Control in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless systems, the lack of network control over always-on PDU sessions leads to delays in service activation, as user equipment cannot initiate new service requests during ongoing procedures, and current specifications do not provide clear indications for upper layers to configure always-on PDU sessions, resulting in inefficient resource management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow the network to determine whether a PDU session should be always-on by including an always-on PDU session requested information element in the PDU session establishment request message, enabling the network to set the session as always-on or not based on local policies, and maintaining this indication during inter-system changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the network does not control always-on PDU session establishment, then service activation speed is improved, but resource management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring always-on PDU sessions during idle state transitions before actual service requests are made. The SMF proactively establishes user plane resources and configures the UE with always-on session attributes, eliminating the need for service request procedures during connected state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE indicates its always-on PDU session requirements to the network through PDU session establishment request messages. The network responds by configuring appropriate session attributes and providing feedback on whether the always-on attribute is granted, allowing dynamic adjustment based on network conditions and user preferences.
2Reliability
If always-on PDU sessions are established without network control, then service continuity is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different PDU sessions to have different always-on attributes based on specific service requirements. Not all PDU sessions are configured as always-on; only those where service continuity is critical. The network evaluates each session individually and applies the always-on attribute locally where needed, rather than universally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of PDU session configuration by introducing an always-on attribute that modifies the behavior of user plane resource management. This parameter change allows sessions to maintain user plane resources during idle state transitions, while other sessions can release resources normally, optimizing the balance between service continuity and resource consumption.
3Reliability
If the UE requests always-on PDU sessions without network policy control, then service activation reliability is improved, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE provides feedback by indicating its always-on PDU session requirements through information elements in PDU session establishment request messages. The network responds with feedback by configuring the always-on attribute appropriately or providing rejection reasons, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that balances UE service requirements with network resource management policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the always-on PDU session configuration flexible and adjustable based on real-time network conditions, user preferences, and service requirements. The configuration can be changed dynamically through network policy updates, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions rather than being static.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product may be provided for providing always-on as an attribute of a PDU session, providing interworking aspects with respect to an always-on PDU session, and enabling network determination of whether a PDU session will be an always-on PDU session. An example method may include receiving, from UE, a PDU session establishment request message, the PDU session establishment request message comprising an always-on PDU session requested IE set to a value indicative of a request to establish a new-always on PDU session (e.g., “Always-on PDU session requested”), and upon a determination that the requested PDU session shall be established as an always-on PDU session, cause transmission of a PDU session establishment accept message, the PDU session establishment accept message comprising an always-on PDU session indication IE that is set to a value indicative of always-on PDU session required (“Always-on PDU session required”).