AMF Reachability Limitation for 5G Core Network Overload
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional mobile network faces challenges in providing fiber-like access rates, zero-latency experiences, and supporting hundreds of billions of devices with high traffic and connection densities, while also needing to improve energy efficiency and reduce bit costs, especially due to limitations in downlink data notification (DDN) processing and signaling in the core network.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an access and mobility management function entity (AMF) that determines reachability service invocation limitations, such as count, frequency, attribute, and time-based conditions, to control data notifications and signaling, thereby preventing network overload by rejecting requests that exceed these limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the AMF processes multiple downlink data notification requests for a terminal device, then the network can deliver more data to the terminal, but the AMF and core network elements may become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing reachability service invocation limitation conditions before processing downlink data notification requests. The AMF pre-configures limits on the number of simultaneous DDN requests, reachability service invocation rates, and time windows to prevent overload before it occurs. When a new DDN request arrives, the AMF checks these pre-set limitations and rejects requests that would exceed thresholds, thereby maintaining network element reliability while allowing productive data delivery within safe boundaries.
2Reliability
If the network sends paging requests to all base stations in the terminal's tracking area list, then the terminal can be reached reliably, but the signaling load and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the paging process selective rather than universal. Instead of sending paging requests to all base stations in the terminal's tracking area list unconditionally, the network first checks whether the terminal has active downlink data notifications. Only when DDNs are present does the network trigger paging to specific base stations. This localized approach to paging reduces unnecessary signaling energy consumption while maintaining reliable terminal reachability when actually needed.
3Reliability
If the AMF imposes reachability service invocation limitations, then network overload is prevented, but the number of data notifications that can be delivered is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making reachability service invocation limitations configurable and adaptable rather than fixed. The AMF can adjust limitation thresholds such as the maximum number of simultaneous DDN requests, invocation rate limits, and time window parameters based on network conditions, terminal characteristics, and service requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize between network element stability and data notification throughput, preventing overload while maximizing productive data delivery within safe operational boundaries.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a request processing method and a corresponding entity, to control a data notification and signaling that is used for triggering paging, thereby avoiding overload of a network element in a core network. The request processing method includes: determining, by an AMF, a first control plane function entity for a terminal device; determining, by the AMF, that the terminal device enters an idle state; obtaining, by the AMF, a first reachability service invocation request from the first control plane function entity; and rejecting, by the AMF, the first reachability service invocation request when the AMF determines, based on the first reachability service invocation request, that a reachability service invocation limitation condition is satisfied.