Application Server Change Signaling via SMF and AMF NAS Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems lack a clear method for changing application servers as a terminal moves, leading to inadequate communication between terminals and appropriate application servers due to unrecognized or unnotified server changes.
Innovation Solution
A communication method involving an SMF node that transmits a notification message about user plane path changes, receives a response, and sends the new application server's IP address to the terminal through an AMF node, with the NAS layer of the device obtaining and transmitting this information to the application layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal moves to a new area, then communication with a local application server is required, but the terminal does not recognize the change of the application server
Solution Approach 1:
The network side implements a feedback mechanism where the AMF node notifies the terminal about application server changes through NAS messages. The SMF node also provides feedback to the AF node about user plane path changes. This feedback loop ensures the terminal receives real-time information about application server changes, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining communication adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the notification mechanism for application server changes. When the terminal moves to a new area, the network proactively notifies the terminal about the application server change before communication issues arise, rather than waiting for the terminal to discover the problem.
2Productivity
If the network changes the application server, then communication efficiency is improved, but the network fails to notify the terminal of the change
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback mechanism is established where the AMF node sends notifications to the terminal about application server changes. This ensures that while the network maintains the ability to efficiently change application servers based on terminal location, the terminal is also informed of these changes through structured notification messages containing the new application server's IP address.
3Reliability
If the terminal communicates with the most appropriate application server, then service quality is improved, but the complexity of server management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF node serves as an intermediary between the SMF node and the terminal regarding application server information. The SMF node manages the complex logic of determining appropriate application servers based on terminal location, while the AMF node handles the notification to the terminal. This intermediary approach maintains service quality while distributing management complexity across multiple network functions.
Data Source
AI summary
One disclosure of the present specification provides a communication method related to a change of an application server performed by an SMF node. The method may comprise: a step for transmitting a notification message related to a change of a user plane path to an AF node; a step for receiving a response message from the AF node in response to the notification message; and a step for transmitting a message including information on an IP address of the changed application server to a terminal through an AMF node.