CRC-UPF Paging for Idle 5G Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G wireless communication network architecture results in inefficient user plane handling due to separate control plane entities managing different user plane functions over various interfaces, making it challenging to effectively page wireless communication devices in an idle state.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a Combined RAN and CN User Plane Function (CRC-UPF) that integrates UPF and CU-UP functionalities, allowing for a tunnelled interface to pass data directly between the CU-CP, AMF, and SMF, enabling the CRC-UPF to identify and notify the correct core network control plane function to page the wireless communication device by sending a downlink data notification with a 5G Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate control plane entities manage different user plane functions over various interfaces, then functional separation and modularity are achieved, but user plane handling efficiency deteriorates and paging of idle devices becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UPF and CU-UP functionalities into a single integrated node, allowing direct communication between the control plane (CU-CP) and user plane (UPF) without requiring separate interface signaling. This integration resolves the contradiction by maintaining functional separation at the design level while achieving operational efficiency through direct data path establishment, enabling effective paging of idle devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are used for control plane communication, then functional modularity is maintained, but the number of signaling interfaces increases and complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the N3 interface signaling requirement from the paging process by establishing a direct data path between UPF and CU-CP. This eliminates the need for separate N3 interface signaling messages, reducing the number of signaling interfaces while maintaining functional modularity through the integrated node architecture.
3Productivity
If direct integration of UPF and CU-UP is performed, then user plane handling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated node performs multiple functions including UPF, CU-UP, and CU-CP functionalities within a single architectural unit. This multi-functionality approach improves user plane handling efficiency by enabling direct communication while managing integration complexity through a unified node design that consolidates control and user plane operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices of enabling paging of a wireless communication device. In an aspect, a method of a node configured to provide core network user plane functionality in a communications network is provided to enable paging of a wireless communication device being in an idle state. The method includes receiving an indication that data is to be transmitted in downlink to the wireless communication device, identifying a radio access network control plane function, and sending a downlink data notification comprising an identifier of the wireless communication device and of a core network control plane function configured to provide mobility management where the wireless communication device currently is registered, thereby enabling for the identified radio access network control plane function to forward the download data notification to the identified core network control plane function configured to provide mobility management to enable the identified core network control plane function configured to provide mobility management to page the wireless communication device.