Dynamic NEF Tunnel Allocation for 5G SBA Signaling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches for data delivery in 5G networks, particularly between UPF and NEF nodes, lack flexibility and do not align well with the Service-Based Architecture (SBA) concept, as they involve static tunnel allocation and increased communication signaling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic N6 UPF-NEF point-to-point tunnel resource allocation during PDU session establishment, where the NEF allocates tunnel resources without increasing communication signaling, allowing for flexible and dynamic resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static tunnel allocation is used between UPF and NEF nodes, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tunnel allocation where the NEF allocates tunnel resources dynamically during PDU session establishment rather than using static pre-configured tunnels. This allows the system to adapt to different service requirements and traffic patterns, resolving the contradiction by making the allocation mechanism flexible and responsive to actual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation parameter from static to dynamic by introducing on-demand tunnel resource allocation. The NEF receives allocation requests, determines resource availability, and assigns tunnel resources based on current network state and service requirements, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic tunnel allocation is implemented, then adaptability improves, but communication signaling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tunnel allocation function from the traditional static configuration process and places it within the PDU session establishment procedure. By integrating tunnel allocation into the existing session management flow, the system achieves dynamic resource allocation without adding separate signaling exchanges, thus minimizing additional signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tunnel allocation process with the PDU session establishment procedure. The SMF includes tunnel resource allocation requests within existing N4 session establishment messages to the UPF, and the NEF responds by allocating tunnel resources as part of the same signaling flow, thereby achieving dynamic allocation without increasing overall signaling volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If combined UPF/NEF entity is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UPF and NEF into separate functional entities with clearly defined interfaces. The NEF maintains autonomy from the UPF, allowing independent evolution and configuration of each function. This segmentation enables flexible interface definitions and resource allocation while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional separation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods are provided to operate an SMF node. A request to create a session for a wireless device is received. A communication establishment request is transmitted to an NEF node responsive to receiving the request to create the session for the wireless device, wherein the communication establishment request includes UPF node information for a tunnel between a UPF node and the NEF node to be used for the session for the wireless device. A communication establishment response is received from the NEF node, wherein the communication establishment response includes NEF node information for the tunnel between the UPF node and the NEF node to be used for the session for the wireless device. A tunnel information update is transmitted to the UPF node after receiving the communication establishment response, wherein the tunnel information update includes the NEF node information for the tunnel between the UPF node and the NEF node.