Control Plane Node Management for Multi-Access Session Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a detailed scheme for processing multiple connections and sessions in next-generation mobile communication, particularly in managing mobility and session management across different access networks, and determining whether one or multiple CP function nodes should handle these sessions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves using one CP function node to manage multiple sessions across multiple accesses by sharing a temporary identifier and reallocating CP function nodes as needed, and also allows individual CP function nodes to manage sessions independently for enhanced mobility management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE generates multiple sessions over different access networks, then service capability and connectivity are improved, but network complexity and difficulty in managing multiple connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the core network into separate Control Plane (CP) function nodes and User Plane (UP) function nodes. Each access network (3GPP and non-3GPP) can be managed by dedicated CP function nodes, while the UP function nodes handle user data transparently. This segmentation allows multiple sessions over different accesses without requiring a single complex node to handle all control functions, thereby reducing overall network complexity while maintaining service capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal session management approach where the CP function nodes can handle multiple types of access networks (3GPP and non-3GPP) through standardized interfaces. The UP function nodes serve as universal data path endpoints that can receive user plane data from any access type. This multi-functionality allows the network to support diverse access networks without requiring separate specialized infrastructure for each access type.
2Reliability
If individual CP function nodes manage sessions independently for each access, then mobility management is improved, but coordination overhead and signaling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the UP function node as an intermediary that anchors user plane data regardless of which access network is used. When a UE moves between 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses, the UP function node maintains the data path while CP function nodes coordinate session management. This intermediary approach allows independent mobility management at each access while reducing signaling overhead by maintaining a stable user plane anchor point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates control plane and user plane functions into different dimensions of the network architecture. Control plane functions (session management, mobility management) operate independently for each access type, while the user plane provides a unified data transmission dimension. This dimensional separation allows mobility management to be handled at the control plane level for each access independently, while the user plane maintains continuity without requiring complex cross-access coordination.
3Productivity
If one CP function node manages multiple sessions across multiple accesses, then resource utilization is improved, but management complexity and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management of multiple sessions by access type, allowing dedicated CP function nodes to handle 3GPP sessions and non-3GPP sessions separately. This segmentation reduces the processing load on individual nodes while maintaining high resource utilization through the shared UP function nodes. Each CP function node manages fewer sessions with simpler logic, while the UP function nodes provide centralized resource sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the user plane functions into shared UP function nodes that can handle user data from multiple access networks simultaneously. This combining of user plane resources improves overall resource utilization, as the same UP function nodes can serve multiple CP function nodes and multiple access types without requiring separate user plane infrastructure for each access network.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment of the present description provides a method for a user equipment (UE) connecting to a network. The method can comprise the steps of: if second connection is to be executed by means of a second access, determining whether or not first connection has been previously executed by means of a first access; and, if the first connection by means of the first access has been executed and the second connection by means of the second access is determined to be an addition, transmitting a connection request message comprising identification information of a control plane (CP) function node. The identification information of the control plane (CP) function node could have been obtained during the first connection by means of the first access. Both the first connection by means of the first access and the second connection by means of the second access can be managed by means of the control plane (CP) function node.