5G-4G Interworking Bearer Allocation via APN-DNN Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing interworking procedures for 5G networks with 4G or other legacy networks are complex, making it difficult to ensure a smooth deployment and handover process in next-generation mobile communications.
Innovation Solution
A session management method that involves obtaining subscription data from multiple networks, allocating bearer identifiers, and sending flow identifiers to simplify the interworking procedure between different communications networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If context mapping solution is used for handover between 5G network and 4G network, then interworking between different networks is achieved, but the procedure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a correspondence relationship between APN and DNN before handover occurs. The access and mobility management network element proactively obtains subscription data from both 5G and 4G networks and pre-maps the APN to the corresponding DNN, so that when handover is needed, the mapping is already ready and no complex real-time mapping procedures are required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex context mapping procedure is used, then network interworking is achieved, but deployment process becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the access and mobility management network element to automatically obtain subscription data from both 5G and 4G networks and autonomously establish the APN-DNN correspondence relationship. This eliminates the need for manual configuration and complex deployment procedures, allowing the network to self-configure and self-manage the interworking settings.
3Ease of operation
If traditional handover procedure is used, then terminal mobility is supported, but procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the APN-DNN correspondence relationship before handover occurs. The access and mobility management network element proactively obtains subscription data from both networks and pre-maps the APN to the corresponding DNN, so that when handover is needed, the mapping is already ready and no complex real-time mapping procedures are required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the access and mobility management network element as an intermediary that centrally manages the APN-DNN correspondence relationship. This intermediary component simplifies the handover procedure by centralizing the mapping function and eliminating the need for complex coordination between multiple network elements during handover.
Data Source
AI summary
A session management method, an access management function device, and a session management device, where the method is carried out by an access and mobility management network element and includes: obtaining first subscription data of a terminal in a first communications network and second subscription data of the terminal in a second communications network, where the first subscription data includes a data network name (DNN), and the second subscription data includes an access point name (APN) corresponding to the DNN; allocating a bearer identifier to a bearer in a packet data network (PDN) connection corresponding to the APN; receiving a flow identifier that is of a flow in a protocol data unit (PDU) session corresponding to the DNN and that is sent by a session management network element; and sending the bearer identifier and the flow identifier to the terminal.