AMF-Based SMF Reuse for Multi-Session Signaling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communications networks inefficiently manage session management functions (SMFs) for user devices, leading to duplicative resource use and signaling inefficiencies due to random or round-robin SMF selection for multiple sessions, especially when different services are requested by a single user device.
Innovation Solution
An Access Management Function (AMF) stores information about active SMFs for a user device and reuses the same SMF for subsequent sessions, bypassing traditional Network Repository Function (NRF) queries if the active SMF can handle the new session, thereby ensuring consistent SMF assignment across multiple sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If random or round-robin SMF selection is used for multiple sessions, then session management flexibility is maintained, but resource duplication and signaling inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF performs preliminary action by storing SMF information during the first session establishment and using this stored information for subsequent session requests, eliminating the need for repeated NRF queries and reducing signaling overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having the AMF autonomously determine SMF selection based on stored session information and capability data, without requiring external intervention from the NRF for each session, thereby reducing signaling inefficiencies
2Measurement precision
If traditional NRF queries are performed for each session request, then SMF selection accuracy is maintained, but signaling overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF performs preliminary action by caching SMF capability information and session data during the first session establishment, enabling rapid SMF selection for subsequent sessions without repeated NRF queries
Solution Approach 2:
The stored SMF information serves multiple functions: it provides selection criteria for subsequent sessions, validates SMF capability compatibility, and enables consistent SMF assignment across different service types, reducing the need for repeated queries
3Adaptability or versatility
If different SMFs are assigned for different services, then service-specific optimization is achieved, but network resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by allowing service-specific optimization through capability-based SMF selection while maintaining overall efficiency through reuse of the same SMF across different services when capabilities are compatible
Solution Approach 2:
The SMF is designed with multi-functionality, capable of handling multiple service types (voice, video, data) simultaneously, allowing a single SMF to serve multiple services without compromising service-specific optimization requirements
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for selecting a session management function (SMF) for establishing a communications session for a user device based on the existing active communications sessions are described. An access management function (AMF) may determine if there are currently active communications sessions for the user device that are associated with an SMF capable of supporting a newly requested communications session. If so, the AMF may use that SMF to establish the newly requested communications session, bypassing the traditional use of an NRF and consolidating signaling for the UE to one SMF and related components. Otherwise, the AMF may use an NRF to identify an SMF and related components and establish the session using such information.