AMF Service Segmentation for Downlink Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G network architecture's Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity services are inflexible and not fully utilized, limiting the efficiency of sending downlink information due to the inability to easily reduce, expand, or combine the Namf_Communication service functions.
Innovation Solution
An additional independent service, such as Mobile Terminated (MT) service or Namf_MobileTerminationEnableUEReachability service, is introduced to enable the User Equipment (UE) to go into a connected state before sending downlink information, allowing for better utilization of AMF entity services by separating the processes into two distinct service calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the AMF entity uses only the existing Namf_Communication service to send downlink information, then the service architecture remains simple, but the flexibility and efficiency of sending downlink information are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the downlink information sending process into two distinct service calls: first calling the Namf_CoreNetworkService to establish UE reachability and connected state, then calling the Namf_Communication service to send the actual downlink information. This segmentation allows each service to have a specific, well-defined function, improving flexibility and adaptability while maintaining clear architectural boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first ensuring the UE is in a connected state through the Namf_CoreNetworkService before attempting to send downlink information. This preliminary step of establishing reachability and connected state beforehand prevents failed transmission attempts and improves the overall efficiency of downlink information delivery.
2Productivity
If the AMF entity pages the UE when the UE is in idle state, then the UE can be reached, but the process is inefficient and consumes unnecessary network resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by first calling the Namf_CoreNetworkService to check and ensure the UE is in a connected state before proceeding to send downlink information. This preliminary verification avoids the time-consuming paging process and UE state transitions, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the AMF entity combines multiple functions in the Namf_Communication service, then the service can handle various scenarios, but the service cannot be easily reduced, expanded, or combined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments service functions into separate, independent services: Namf_CoreNetworkService for reachability management and Namf_Communication service for information transmission. This segmentation makes the service architecture more modular and expandable, allowing new services to be added without modifying existing ones, thereby improving adaptability while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal service framework where the AMF entity can handle various downlink information sending scenarios through a standardized two-step process. The separated services can be independently configured, expanded, or combined based on specific network requirements, providing multi-functionality without increasing individual service complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of sending downlink information, an Access and Mobility Management Function entity and a Network Function entity are provided. The method of sending downlink information includes: receiving, by an AMF entity, a first notification message sent by a NF entity and configured to call a first service of the AMF entity; sending to the NF entity, by the AMF entity, indication information configured to indicate that a UE is in a connected state; receiving, by the AMF entity, a second notification message sent by the NF entity and configured to call a second service of the AMF entity; and sending, by the AMF entity, downlink information to the UE.