Control Plane Resource Migration in 5G Network Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication systems, existing technologies lack the ability to dynamically migrate user control plane resources, leading to service disruptions and inefficiencies due to overload, network failures, or maintenance needs, which hinders service continuity and resource optimization.
Innovation Solution
A method for control plane resource migration that involves selecting a second network function entity (NF) with the same type as the first NF, either through the Network Function Repository (NRF) or locally, to transfer user control plane resources, ensuring seamless migration and load balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network function entities maintain fixed assignments during session establishment, then selection processes are simple and reliable, but resource optimization and load balancing capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic migration of control plane resources by enabling network function entities to switch between source and target assignments. The system transitions from static NF assignments during session establishment to dynamic reassignment capability, allowing resources to be redistributed based on real-time load conditions while maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by selecting a target network function entity before actual migration occurs. The system pre-identifies suitable target NFs and establishes migration readiness, enabling smooth resource transfer without service disruption. This preliminary selection process prepares the migration path in advance, reducing complexity during execution.
2Reliability
If control plane resources are migrated dynamically, then load balancing and service continuity are improved, but migration process complexity and potential service disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary selection of target network function entities and prepares migration parameters before executing resource transfer. By pre-identifying suitable targets and validating migration readiness, the system ensures service continuity is maintained throughout the migration process, reducing the risk of disruption while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that coordinates between source and target network function entities during migration. This intermediary process manages the transition of control plane resources, ensuring proper handover of session information and maintaining service continuity while simplifying the overall migration process through standardized coordination protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network functions use local configuration for selection, then selection process is simple and fast, but adaptability to network conditions and resource optimization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal selection mechanism that can operate in multiple modes: local configuration mode for simple scenarios and NRF discovery mode for optimized resource allocation. The system integrates both approaches, allowing network function entities to adapt their selection process based on network conditions, achieving both simplicity and adaptability through a multi-functional framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor network conditions and resource utilization in real-time. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust NF selection decisions, enabling the system to adapt to changing network conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated responses to monitored parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed in embodiments of the present application are an implementation method and device for control plane resource migration and a network function entity. The method includes: a first network function entity (NF) determining to migrate user control plane resources, selecting a second NF having a same type as the first NF; and the first NF sending a user control plane migration request to the second NF, where the user control plane migration request carries identifier information of a user to be migrated.