AMF Selection via Network Deployment Information in 5G

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G mobile communication systems, there is a challenge in efficiently selecting the appropriate Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) for user equipment (UE) when initially accessing the network, particularly when the UE transitions between 3GPP and non-3GPP access methods, leading to complicated NAS signaling routing.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for managing network deployment information to facilitate the selection of an appropriate AMF by transmitting an initial access request message, allowing for efficient routing of NAS signaling through the use of detailed network deployment information and service request processing, enabling the UE to select the same or different AMFs for 3GPP and non-3GPP access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the UE accesses the 5G network through multiple access methods (3GPP and non-3GPP), then the network coverage and access flexibility are improved, but the NAS signaling routing becomes complicated and the AMF selection process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess flexibilityVSAvoidNAS signaling routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures AMF selection information in the network deployment information before the UE accesses the network. The AMF ID or AMF name is determined in advance based on the access method (3GPP or non-3GPP) and service type, so that when the UE sends the initial NAS message, the routing destination is already predetermined, avoiding complex real-time routing decisions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the RAN (Radio Access Network) acts as a mediator to receive the initial NAS message from the UE and forward it to the appropriate AMF based on pre-configured routing information. This intermediary simplifies the routing process by centralizing the routing logic in the RAN rather than requiring complex interactions between multiple network elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the UE transitions between 3GPP and non-3GPP access methods, then the network service continuity is improved, but the AMF selection and NAS message routing becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidAMF selection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-determines the AMF selection based on the access method (3GPP or non-3GPP) and stores this information in the network deployment information. When the UE transitions between access methods, the pre-configured AMF selection information enables rapid re-routing without requiring complex real-time AMF selection procedures, thus maintaining service continuity while improving selection efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the routing parameter (AMF ID or AMF name) based on the access method parameter. When the UE switches from 3GPP to non-3GPP access or vice versa, the system selects different AMFs according to the pre-configured mapping between access methods and AMFs, enabling efficient service continuity through parameter-based routing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If detailed network deployment information is used for AMF selection, then the routing accuracy is improved, but the information management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting accuracyVSAvoidinformation management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network deployment information into distinct categories: 3GPP access information, non-3GPP access information, and service type information. Each category contains specific AMF selection criteria. This segmentation allows the system to use only the relevant segment based on the current access method and service type, improving routing accuracy while managing information complexity through structured organization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4099738B1Method and apparatus for selecting an access and mobility management function in a mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4099738B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4099738B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4099738B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication technique of fusing a 5G communication system for supporting higher data transmission rate beyond a 4G system with an loT technology and a system thereof. The present disclosure may be used for an intelligent service (for example, smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car or connected car, health care, digital education, retail business, security and safety related service, or the like) based on the 5G communication technology and the loT related technology The present disclosure provides a method for appropriately finding a network node providing services that user equipment (UE) wants in a 5G mobile communication system when a user initially accesses a G network. To this end, we propose a method for managing network deployment information and a method for transmitting an initial access request message with a detailed proposal technology. In addition, even when the service provided to the user equipment is modified after the initial access, a network node providing the corresponding service may be found in a similar manner.