Dynamic User Plane Function Load Balancing in 5G Overlap Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network provisioning systems face challenges in efficiently managing computing resources across different service areas in 5G networks, leading to potential overutilization or underutilization of user plane functions (UPFs) in overlap areas.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically determines how to provision networking services by initializing first and second user plane functions for respective service areas with an overlap area, and upon receiving a connection request from user equipment, it assesses the load of both UPFs to determine which one to connect the user equipment to based on load thresholds and predicted future loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user equipment is connected to a single user plane function in overlap areas, then connection simplicity is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates due to overutilization or underutilization of UPFs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic UPF selection by continuously monitoring load conditions and predicting future loads. The system dynamically determines which UPF to connect to based on real-time and predicted load states, transitioning from static to dynamic connection management. This resolves the contradiction by enabling flexible resource utilization while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring the load conditions of UPFs and using this information to make intelligent connection decisions. The system collects data on current and predicted loads, processes this feedback, and adjusts connection routing accordingly. This feedback loop enables optimal resource utilization while keeping the connection process simple for user equipment.
2Productivity
If load balancing is implemented across user plane functions, then resource utilization is improved, but system complexity increases due to load assessment and switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting future load conditions before making connection decisions. The system uses prediction mechanisms to anticipate upcoming load states and proactively routes connections accordingly, rather than reactively responding to current conditions. This approach simplifies the decision-making process by incorporating future state information in advance, reducing the need for complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that manages the complexity of load balancing. This intermediary component assesses load conditions, predicts future states, and makes routing decisions, shielding the user equipment from the underlying complexity. The intermediary handles the sophisticated load assessment and switching logic, presenting a simple connection interface to end users while achieving optimal resource utilization.
3Productivity
If user equipment is reassigned from overloaded user plane function to underloaded function, then load distribution is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to IP anchor point switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of direct IP anchor point switching with a more sophisticated system that considers SSC modes and prediction. Instead of simple mechanical switching, the system uses intelligent decision-making based on predicted future loads and SSC mode availability. This substitution maintains connection stability by choosing the appropriate reassignment strategy while still achieving improved load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by predicting future load conditions before initiating IP anchor point switching. The system forecasts upcoming load states and only performs reassignment when it anticipates that the target UPF will have lower load, thereby preventing premature or inappropriate switching. This predictive approach maintains connection stability by ensuring reassignments are made to appropriately loaded UPFs, reducing unnecessary interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method are directed towards dynamically determining how to provision networking services. First and second user plane functions are initialized for first and second service areas, respectively. The second service area and the first service area share an overlap area. A request is received from a user equipment to connect to a network, and a location of the user equipment is identified. Determination is made whether the location is in the overlap area. In response to the location being in the overlap area, a first load of the first user plane function and a second load of the second user plane function are determined. In response to the first load exceeding the second load, the user equipment is connected to the second user plane function. In response to the second load exceeding the first load, the user equipment is connected to the first user plane function.