Batch Session Termination Signaling in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing approaches to session termination in communication networks are inefficient, leading to high signaling overhead when terminating large numbers of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, particularly in scenarios involving IoT, MTC, and ULCC devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing batch termination techniques where a Session Management Function (SMF) detects network events and sends batch notification messages to relevant Network Functions (NFs) to terminate affiliated sessions en masse, rather than individually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual per-session termination signaling is used for each affiliated session, then session termination can be completed, but signaling overhead and processing loads become excessively high when terminating large numbers of PDU sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual session termination signaling operations into a single batch termination signaling operation. The SMF groups multiple affiliated sessions into batches and sends consolidated termination requests to the CHF/PCF, reducing the number of separate signaling messages from N individual messages to just 1-2 batch messages, thereby significantly reducing signaling overhead while maintaining termination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the session termination process into two distinct phases: (1) batch termination signaling phase where the SMF sends consolidated termination requests for multiple sessions, and (2) individual session cleanup phase where the CHF/PCF processes each session termination internally. This segmentation allows the heavy lifting of notification to be done in bulk while preserving the ability to handle individual session details separately.
2Quantity of substance
If batch termination of affiliated sessions is implemented, then signaling overhead is reduced, but complexity in managing batch groups and coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the SMF pre-group affiliated sessions into batches based on common criteria (such as same CHF/PCF, same network slice, or same time window) before termination events occur. This pre-grouping strategy is established during session setup and maintenance phases, so when termination is needed, the batching logic is already in place, reducing the computational complexity at termination time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary batching mechanism at the SMF level that acts as a mediator between the control plane and charging/policy functions. The SMF's batch management module consolidates termination requests and coordinates with CHF/PCF, absorbing the complexity of batch group management and shielding the CHF/PCF from complex batching logic, thereby distributing complexity management effectively.
3Reliability
If individual session termination processing is performed, then precise control over each session is maintained, but processing time and network load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by implementing asynchronous batch termination processing. The SMF sends batch termination requests and continues processing other tasks without waiting for individual session terminations to complete. The CHF/PCF processes session terminations in the background, maintaining continuous operation and avoiding idle waiting time, thereby reducing overall termination processing time while preserving control precision through confirmation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the CHF/PCF sends termination confirmations back to the SMF for each session or batch. This feedback loop allows the SMF to track termination status and maintain precise control over session states without blocking the overall termination process. The feedback ensures reliability by confirming each session's termination status while allowing the bulk operation to proceed efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions in a communication network (10) provide logical interconnections between Data Networks (DNs) (16) and respective User Equipments (UEs) (12) that access the DNs (16) via the communication network (10), and the communication network (10) establishes one or more affiliated sessions in conjunction with each PDU session, such as an affiliated charging or policy control session. Rather than requiring the high signaling overhead associated with mass terminations of these affiliated sessions on a per session basis, the Network Functions (NFs) (32, 34, 36) contemplated herein provide for batch termination of a potentially large plurality affiliated sessions, based on the exchange of a corresponding batch termination message. Disclosed batch termination techniques include the exchange of information during session establishment, for later determination of which affiliated sessions are subject to batch termination.