COMU Indicator for 5G UPF Traffic Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks supporting Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS), the existing protocols do not efficiently handle user plane traffic classification when multiple User Plane Function (UPF) nodes are involved, leading to repetitive and costly Packet Detection Rule (PDR) matching processes in each UPF node.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method where a Policy Control Function (PCF) node receives a policy request from a Session Management Function (SMF) node, obtains an indicator for Classification Optimization for Multiple User plane functions (COMU) from a Unified Data Repository (UDR), and transmits a policy response with the COMU indicator to the SMF node. The SMF node then configures UPF nodes with detection rules and class identifiers to optimize traffic classification, allowing subsequent UPF nodes to leverage the classification done by previous nodes through class indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each UPF node independently executes PDR matching process for traffic classification, then traffic classification can be performed at each node, but processing overhead and latency increase due to repetitive matching in multiple nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The first UPF node performs traffic classification and generates a class identifier in advance. This class identifier is then passed to subsequent UPF nodes, eliminating the need for them to perform repetitive PDR matching. The preliminary classification action at the first node prevents time-consuming repeated matching at downstream nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of each UPF node performing independent PDR matching, the classification result (class identifier) from the first UPF node is copied and transmitted to subsequent UPF nodes. These nodes use the copied class identifier directly for traffic classification, avoiding redundant processing while maintaining classification accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple UPF nodes perform independent PDR matching, then each node can autonomously classify traffic, but processing overhead and computational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex PDR matching process is extracted from subsequent UPF nodes and consolidated at the first UPF node. The first node performs the full PDR matching and generates a class identifier, which is then transmitted to other nodes. This extraction eliminates redundant computational overhead while preserving the classification functionality at each node through the use of class identifiers.
3Productivity
If class identifier is transmitted from first UPF to next UPF, then processing overhead is reduced, but additional signaling overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic classification information is transformed from detailed PDR matching results into a compact class identifier parameter. This parameter change reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted between UPF nodes from complex packet detection rules to simple identifier values, minimizing signaling overhead while maintaining processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments herein relate to a method performed by a PCF node (101) for enabling user plane traffic classification in a communications system (100) supporting CUPS with multiple UPF nodes (105). The PCF node receives, from a SMF node (103), a policy request for a UE (114). The PCF node (101) obtains, from a UDR (108), an indicator indicating COMU for the UE (114), and transmits, to the SMF node (103), a policy response comprising the indicator indicating COMU.