Control Plane Network Function Packet Analysis for 5G Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the 5G communication system is the need for seamless interworking and risk management between control plane and user plane network functions, as well as efficient handling of control plane and user plane packets to support diverse communication services and scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of control plane and user plane network functions that include packet analysis units to determine the type of packet and process or convert it accordingly, allowing for the sharing of roles between CP NF and UP NF, enabling efficient packet processing and transmission between these functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control plane network function and user plane network function are separated as defined in 5G system, then network structure flexibility and adaptability are improved, but interworking complexity and difficulty of detecting packet type increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function into two distinct components: a packet analysis unit that identifies packet types (control plane or user plane) and a processing unit that executes appropriate actions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining the flexible separated network structure while simplifying interworking through clear functional division and packet type identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The packet analysis unit acts as an intermediary between the communication unit and the processing unit. It receives packets, analyzes their types, and directs them to appropriate processing paths. This intermediary component reduces interworking complexity by providing a clear interface for packet type identification and routing between control plane and user plane functions.
2Measurement precision
If packet analysis unit is added to determine packet type, then packet processing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network function into distinct units: a packet analysis unit for packet type identification and a processing unit for packet handling. This segmentation improves packet processing accuracy by dedicating specific functionality to packet type determination while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The packet analysis unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both control plane packets and user plane packets using the same identification mechanisms. This universal approach improves detection accuracy across different packet types without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same analysis unit serves multiple purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control plane network function processes user plane packets and user plane network function processes control plane packets, then interworking capability and adaptability are improved, but processing time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packet analysis unit performs preliminary action by identifying packet types before they are processed. This pre-identification allows the system to quickly determine the appropriate processing path, reducing packet processing time while maintaining the capability for cross-plane processing. The preliminary classification prevents unnecessary processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the processing function into analysis and execution phases, the patent enables efficient interworking. The analysis unit quickly identifies packet types, and the processing unit executes appropriate actions, minimizing processing time while maintaining the adaptability to handle packets across plane boundaries.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control plane network function. The control plane network function comprises, a communication unit configured to receive a user plane packet (UPP); a packet analysis unit configured to analyze the received UPP to determine whether to process the received UPP; and a user plane processor configured to process the received UPP if the received UPP is determined to be processed, and to control the received UPP to be transmitted to a user plane network function (UP NF) if the received UPP is determined not to be processed.