Core Network Service Area Restrictions With Dynamic Capability Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP solutions for access and mobility restrictions in communication systems are limited to static definitions of allowed or non-allowed areas, do not consider network slicing, and lack mechanisms for dynamic service area restrictions with varying capabilities, such as secure, sponsored, and parental control areas, which are not adequately addressed in 4G networks.
Innovation Solution
Implement a dynamic system in the core network involving AMF, UDM, PCF, and SMF nodes to manage service area restrictions with different capabilities, allowing flexible definitions of secure, sponsored, and parental control areas, enabling dynamic updates and network slice-specific policies through interactions with OTT/AF via NEF service exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static service area restrictions are implemented as defined in 3GPP, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability for different service types are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The service area restriction mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: static SAR data stored in UDM, dynamic SAD rules generated by PCF, and service area profiles managed by AF/NEF. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently, providing flexibility without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic service area definition through SAD rules that can be updated in real-time based on service requirements. The PCF generates these dynamic rules and provides them to the AMF, allowing service area restrictions to adapt to changing conditions without modifying the underlying network architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network slice-specific service area restrictions are implemented, then service differentiation is improved, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service area restriction mechanism is designed to be universal across multiple network slices. The PCF and AMF handle service area management in a slice-agnostic manner, using the same core procedures for different slices. Service area profiles can be reused across slices when appropriate, reducing redundant signaling.
3Speed
If real-time service area updates are enabled through AF/NEF interaction, then service responsiveness is improved, but network load and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Service area profiles are pre-configured and stored in the NEF before being needed. When the AF requests service area updates, the PCF can quickly retrieve and apply pre-prepared profiles rather than creating restrictions from scratch. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces real-time processing requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple service area types (secure, sponsored, parental control) are supported, then service capability is improved, but configuration complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different service area types (secure, sponsored, parental control) are defined with type-specific characteristics and restrictions. Each service area profile contains type-indicating information that determines the applicable rules and constraints. This localized differentiation allows diverse service types to coexist without requiring a completely separate management system for each type.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods performed in a core network (110) for dynamically handling access and mobility service areas with different capabilities in a communication system (100) are disclosed. The methods are carried out in an AMF node (111), a UDM node (112), a PCF node (113) and a SMF node (115). The UDM node (112) configures Service Area Restriction (SAR) data in a subscription data for a UE (120). The SAR data includes a number of service areas allowed or restricted for the UE and, for each service area, a service area identifier, a service area type and a service area definition. The PCF node configures a Service Area Definition (SAD) rule for a UE. The SAD rule comprises a service area definition and an indication of a set of service area characteristics enabled in the service area. During a registration procedure, the SAR data and SAD rule may be provided to the AMF node upon request for a UE communication. The AMF node then takes actions for the UE communication based on anyone of the SAR data, the SAD rule and local policies at the AMF node. During a session management procedure, the SMF node (115) receives service area related information with a service area identifier and a service area type from the AMF node, and receives the SAD rule from the PCF node. The SMF node (115) then take actions for the UE communication based on the SAD rule, the information received from the AMF node (111) and/or local policies at the SMF node.