ATSSS-Enabled ePDG Session Merging for 5G-WLAN Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face challenges in maintaining session service continuity and efficient traffic steering between cellular and non-cellular networks, such as WLAN, due to the limitations of the Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) in supporting simultaneous connections and seamless handover between 5G and LTE networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS)-enabled evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) that supports 5G networks by receiving an ATSSS trigger message from a user equipment (UE) device, merging 5G cellular and WLAN sessions into a single registration, and relocating the SMF/UPF to ensure seamless connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ePDG maintains separate registrations for 5G cellular and WLAN sessions, then the device can connect to both networks independently, but session service continuity and traffic steering between networks cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate network registrations (5G cellular and WLAN) into a single unified registration at the ePDG. The ePDG consolidates session management for both access types under one registration context, enabling seamless traffic steering and session continuity across different networks without requiring separate registration states.
Solution Approach 2:
The ePDG is enhanced to perform multiple functions within a single registration framework. It simultaneously manages 5G cellular and WLAN session connectivity, traffic steering, and switching operations through a unified registration mechanism, making the registration system universal across different access types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ePDG supports simultaneous connections to multiple networks, then connectivity is improved, but traffic steering and switching between cellular and non-cellular networks becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ePDG acts as an intermediary node between the UE and multiple networks (5G cellular and WLAN). It centralizes the traffic steering and switching logic within itself, simplifying the overall system architecture by consolidating control functions in a single intermediary entity rather than distributing complexity across multiple network elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ePDG uses traditional session management procedures, then compatibility with existing networks is maintained, but seamless handover and ATSSS functionality cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The session management procedures at the ePDG are made dynamic to support ATSSS and seamless handover. The ePDG can adaptively adjust session parameters, steering rules, and network selections in real-time based on current network conditions, enabling flexible and dynamic traffic management across 5G and WLAN networks.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein enable 5G core session management function (SMF)/user plan function (UPF) relocation to support ATSSS-enabled evolved packet data gateways (ePDG). An ePDG receives an access traffic steering, switching and splitting (ATSSS) trigger message from a user equipment (UE) device. The UE device is connected via a first session using a session management function (SMF) and a via a second session using a packet data network gateway (PGW). The ATSSS trigger message includes an SMF identifier for the SMF. The ePDG sends, in response to the ATSSS trigger message, a request to the SMF to merge the first session and the second session into a single registration.