Distributed NAS Termination Points for 5G Signaling Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G communication networks have a single point of failure in non-access stratum (NAS) termination, leading to increased signaling latency and security vulnerabilities due to indirect signaling between radio access nodes and network functions, which limits the benefits of service-based architecture and increases computational resources needed by the access and mobility management function.
Innovation Solution
Implementing distributed NAS termination points within network functions, allowing direct communication between radio access networks and core network functions, reducing reliance on a single access and mobility management function and enabling encrypted data transmission to user devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If distributed NAS termination points are implemented, then signaling latency is reduced and network security is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized NAS termination function into multiple distributed termination points deployed across different network locations. Each termination point handles a subset of NAS messages, segmenting the monolithic function into manageable units that reduce signaling latency while maintaining security through distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to NAS termination by deploying termination points across multiple spatial and functional dimensions within the network. Instead of a single centralized point, termination occurs at multiple locations including access nodes and core network functions, creating a multi-dimensional termination architecture that reduces latency paths.
2Use of energy by moving object
If direct communication between radio access network and network functions is enabled, then computational resources needed by access and mobility management function are reduced, but network security requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the NAS termination function from the access and mobility management function (AMF) and places it at distributed termination points. This extraction reduces the computational burden on the AMF, allowing it to focus on access control and mobility management while NAS message handling is performed elsewhere in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary entities (distributed termination points) that mediate between the radio access network and core network functions. These intermediaries handle NAS message termination and security functions, reducing direct computational requirements on the AMF while maintaining security through layered architecture.
3Reliability
If multiple apparatus types are configured to handle NAS messages, then network resilience and performance are improved, but identification and routing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal identification mechanism (NAS termination point identifier) that works across multiple apparatus types. Different network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, access nodes) can all handle NAS messages using the same identifier format and routing logic, enabling multi-functionality without increasing identification complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameter from device-specific identifiers to a standardized NAS termination point identifier that encapsulates routing information. This parameter change simplifies identification across diverse apparatus types by using a unified identifier structure that includes network function type, location, and capability information.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for providing distributed NAS layer termination points within a communication network. A network entity assigns a non-access stratum temporary identifier to a user device. The non-access stratum temporary identifier is associated with a non-access stratum termination point, and wherein a type of non-access stratum termination point is based at least in part on an apparatus type configured to handle one or more non-access stratum messages. The network entity causes the user device to be provided with the non-access stratum temporary identifiers.