CIoT Control Plane Optimization in EPS to 5GS Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in implementing Cellular IoT (CIoT) functions in the 5G System (5GS) while supporting network slices, and in mapping PDN connections associated with CIoT functions between the Evolved Packet System (EPS) and the 5GS during handovers.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed that includes a user equipment (UE) with a controller, transmission and/or reception unit, and storage unit, capable of establishing communication paths with both EPS and 5GS core networks. The UE supports communication via control plane paths, and the method involves receiving accept messages from both networks, establishing appropriate communication paths, and managing connections accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE establishes communication paths with both EPS and 5GS core networks to support CIoT functions, then the adaptability and versatility of the communication system is improved, but the device complexity and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UE is designed to support both EPS and 5GS core networks with CIoT functions, making it multi-functional. The device can operate in either network environment and maintain communication paths in both systems simultaneously, allowing it to serve multiple purposes and adapt to different network infrastructures without requiring separate dedicated devices
Solution Approach 2:
The communication architecture is segmented into separate control plane paths for EPS and 5GS, allowing independent management of each network connection. The UE maintains distinct communication paths for each core network, enabling selective activation and management of each path based on service requirements and network availability
2Reliability
If the UE maintains communication paths with both EPS and 5GS networks, then the reliability and service continuity are improved during handovers, but the loss of energy and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path management is made dynamic, allowing the UE to activate or deactivate specific communication paths based on current service requirements and network conditions. The UE can dynamically switch between EPS and 5GS paths during handovers, maintaining service continuity while optimizing energy consumption by not continuously maintaining both paths at full activity levels
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously manages its own communication paths with both EPS and 5GS networks, making intelligent decisions about which path to use based on local conditions. The device performs self-service functions including path selection, activation, and deactivation without requiring constant network control, thereby improving reliability while reducing overall energy consumption
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication unit for implementing an operation for CIoT in 5GS and a communication unit for mapping a connection associated with the function for CIoT to an appropriate connection in a handover between the 5GS and EPS are provided. Even in the 5GS supporting a network slice, a communication unit for allowing the operation for CIoT to be used is provided. Furthermore, a communication unit for mapping a PDN connection associated with the operation for CIoT and established in the EPS to an appropriate PDU session in a handover of user equipment from the EPS to the 5GS is provided. Furthermore, a communication unit for mapping a PDU session established in the 5GS to an appropriate PDN connection in the handover of the user equipment from the 5GS to the EPS is provided.