DoNAS Data Delivery in Roaming via H-SMF Decoupling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing solution for Data over Non-Access Stratum (DoNAS) data delivery in roaming scenarios is overly complex, involving multiple Network Functions (NFs) and unnecessary resource management conflicts between Visited and Home Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs, with unclear roles and inefficient data handling.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution simplifies DoNAS data delivery by decoupling dependencies between VPLMN and HPLMN using the Home Session Management Function (H-SMF) for NEF selection and data transmission, allowing data to be delivered through the user plane instead of the control plane, and enabling direct resource handling within the HPLMN, thereby reducing complexity and conflicts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the existing solution for DoNAS data delivery in roaming scenarios is used, then data delivery capability is achieved, but the system complexity increases due to multiple Network Functions and unclear resource management conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata delivery capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the roles of V-SMF and H-SMF by having the V-SMF handle DoNAS data delivery directly using its own resources, eliminating the need for separate H-SMF involvement and reducing system complexity while maintaining data delivery capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the H-SMF function from the data delivery path by allowing V-SMF to independently manage DoNAS data using local resources, separating the roaming data delivery function from the home network resources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple Network Functions are involved in DoNAS data delivery, then data delivery functionality is complete, but resource management conflicts arise between VPLMN and HPLMN

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata delivery functionalityVSAvoidresource management conflicts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The V-SMF performs self-service by independently managing DoNAS data delivery using its own locally available resources, eliminating the need for coordination with H-SMF and resolving resource management conflicts between PLMNs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If control plane is used for DoNAS data delivery, then data delivery is achieved, but user plane data delivery option is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata deliveryVSAvoiddata delivery options

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the network to select between control plane and user plane data delivery methods based on available resources and operational requirements, enabling flexible deployment of DoNAS functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11937337B2Methods and apparatuses for alternative data over non-access stratum, donas, data delivery in a roaming scenario

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method in a core network of a cellular communications system to enable Data over Non-Access Stratum, DoNAS, data delivery in a roaming scenario, the method comprising: sending from the V-SMF to a Home Session Management Function, H-SMF, a Packet Data Unit, PDU, session create request during PDU session establishment for DoNAS data delivery for a User Equipment, UE, in a roaming scenario; and receiving a response from the H-SMF. In embodiments of the method the PDU session create request comprises an indication that a control plane can be used for data delivery.