Core Network Function Control Plane Connection Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network architecture has fixed network functions that are scattered across Mobility Management Entities (MMEs), Serving Gateways (S-GWs), and Packet Data Network Gateways (P-GWs), making it difficult to introduce new network functions (NFs) to meet evolving user service requirements, such as ultra-low-delay and high-reliability communications, due to the need for extensive redesign and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A control plane connection management method that allows a core network function component to determine and send requirements for control plane connections to an access and mobility management function component, enabling flexible management of control plane connections based on service needs, such as keeping connections active or idle, through control plane requirement messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If network functions are fixed in traditional network elements (MME, S-GW, P-GW), then network architecture stability is maintained, but network flexibility and adaptability to new service requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions from traditional network elements into independent network function components. These components can be dynamically selected and configured based on service requirements, enabling new services to be introduced without redesigning the entire network architecture. The segmentation allows stable core functions to remain fixed while flexible functions can be updated independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal network function component framework that can serve multiple purposes. The same component architecture supports both traditional EPC services and new services (ultra-low-delay, high-reliability communications) through configurable function selections, eliminating the need for separate dedicated infrastructure for each service type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new network functions are introduced to meet evolving service requirements, then network adaptability improves, but development period and costs increase due to extensive redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a pre-configured framework of network function components that are designed in advance with standardized interfaces and selection mechanisms. When new services are needed, operators can simply select and configure appropriate pre-developed components rather than undertaking extensive redesign, significantly reducing development time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables service differentiation through parameter changes in the control plane connection management. By modifying connection management parameters (activation, deactivation, release conditions) rather than changing the underlying network architecture, new services can be deployed quickly with minimal development effort.
3Speed
If control plane connections are always maintained in connected state, then service response speed improves, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control plane connection management where connection states (connected, inactive, released) are flexibly adjusted based on service requirements and terminal behavior. Different services can have different connection management policies, allowing the system to optimize between response speed and resource consumption on a per-service basis rather than using a fixed state for all services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different connection management qualities to different services and terminals. Critical services (ultra-low-delay) maintain connected states with fast response, while non-critical services use inactive or released states to conserve resources. The access and mobility management function component makes localized decisions about connection states based on service-specific requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a control plane connection management method and an apparatus. The control plane connection management method in the present invention includes: determining, by a core network function component, information about a requirement of the core network function component for a control plane connection of a terminal; and sending, by the core network function component, a control plane requirement message to an access and mobility management function component, where the control plane requirement message includes identifier information of the terminal and the information about the requirement of the core network function component for the control plane connection of the terminal, and the control plane requirement message is used for instructing the access and mobility management function component to process the control plane connection of the terminal. The embodiments of the present invention can improve flexibility of a network structure.