Dynamic Function Scheduling Between Control and User Plane Network Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network architectures have limited flexibility in processing functions supported by both control plane and user plane network elements, as these functions are typically fixedly assigned to either the control plane or user plane, leading to inflexible resource management and processing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method where the control plane network element dynamically requests the user plane network element to perform shared functions, allowing for dynamic adjustment of network resources and flexible processing by transferring functions such as address allocation and data buffering based on load and location considerations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If shared functions are fixedly assigned to control plane or user plane network elements through operator configuration, then system stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability of resource allocation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidflexibility of function allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic function allocation by enabling the control plane network element to transfer shared functions to the user plane network element based on real-time load conditions and location considerations. This transforms the static, fixed function assignment into a dynamic system that can adapt to changing network conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between system stability and allocation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of function allocation by introducing load-based thresholds and location-based criteria. When load conditions meet predefined parameters, the control plane transfers functions to the user plane, enabling flexible resource allocation while maintaining system stability through controlled parameter-driven transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If shared functions are fixedly performed by control plane or user plane network elements, then device complexity is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency and productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplexity of function managementVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic function transfer mechanisms that allow the control plane network element to offload shared functions to the user plane network element when appropriate. This dynamic approach optimizes resource utilization and improves productivity by allocating functions to the most suitable network element based on current conditions, without significantly increasing device complexity through standardized transfer protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the control plane network element performs all shared functions, then processing reliability is maintained, but system adaptability to different network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to network conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter-based decision-making where the control plane network element evaluates load conditions, location factors, and other parameters to determine whether to perform or transfer shared functions. This parameter-driven approach maintains processing reliability through controlled decision-making while improving adaptability to different network conditions by responding to real-time parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3531619B1Method, device and system for function scheduling
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3531619B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3531619B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3531619B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a function scheduling method, a device, and a system. The method includes: sending, by a control plane network element, a first request to a user plane network element, where the first request is used to request the user plane network element to perform a first function, and the first function is a function supported by both the control plane network element and the user plane network element; and then disabling, by the control plane network element, the first function. In the solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, a function supported by both the user plane network element and the control plane network element can be flexibly processed.