Direct Access Connection Management with AMF-Controlled ATSSS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing direct access and service-based architectures, particularly in 5G networks, leading to suboptimal performance and resource utilization due to complex interactions among network functions and lack of efficient service discovery and management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a service-based architecture with network functions that utilize a network repository function (NRF) for service discovery and dynamic interaction protocols to optimize resource allocation and service provisioning, enabling seamless communication between user plane and control plane functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex interactions among network functions are implemented in 5G networks, then service functionality is enhanced, but network management complexity and resource utilization efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Service Management Function (SMF) as an intermediary entity that coordinates interactions among multiple network functions. The SMF receives service requests, determines required network functions, and manages their interactions through standardized interfaces, thereby enabling enhanced service functionality while abstracting away the complexity of direct function-to-function interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal service management architecture where the SMF can handle multiple types of service requests (direct access, network slicing, mobile edge computing) through a common framework. This multi-functional approach allows the system to provide diverse services without proportionally increasing management complexity, as the same SMF handles various service types using standardized procedures.
2Productivity
If direct access is enabled for wireless devices to data networks, then access efficiency is improved, but connection management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts connection management responsibilities from the wireless devices and concentrates them in the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The AMF handles authentication, authorization, and connection state management, while devices only need to initiate simple access requests. This separation enables efficient direct access for devices while centralizing complex management tasks in the network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If service-based architecture with multiple network functions is implemented, then service flexibility is enhanced, but service discovery and management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a service registration and discovery mechanism where network functions register their capabilities with the SMF, which maintains an updated service inventory. When service requests occur, the SMF queries this registered information to efficiently identify and allocate appropriate network functions. This feedback loop between service registration and service allocation enables both service flexibility and efficient discovery.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device receives, from a first access and mobility management function (AMF), a non-access stratum (NAS) message comprising an indication indicating whether an access traffic steering, switching, and splitting (ATSSS) type of a plurality of ATSSS types is allowed for a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI).