5G Session Management Path Optimization via Dynamic UPF Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication systems, the communication path between a terminal device and a data network remains long when the device's location changes, as it continues to use the same user plane function and data network established during session setup, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method where an application function network element receives DN identification information from a session management function, determining suitable data networks based on the terminal device's current location and sending messages to establish a new data path between the corresponding user plane function and classifier node, thereby optimizing the communication path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the terminal device continues to use the same UPF and DN established during session setup, then the session management is simplified, but the communication path becomes long when the terminal device's location changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the UPF selection adaptive to terminal device location changes. The AF determines whether to insert a new UPF based on the terminal's current location, transforming the static UPF selection into a dynamic process that responds to mobility conditions. This resolves the contradiction by allowing simple session management when location is stable while enabling path optimization when location changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of UPF insertion decision based on location change detection. When the terminal device's location changes, the system evaluates whether to insert a new UPF, thereby changing the network topology parameter dynamically. This allows the communication path length to be optimized without permanently complicating the session management structure.
2Productivity
If a new UPF is inserted to shorten the communication path when terminal location changes, then the communication efficiency is improved, but the session management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AF acts as an intermediary that mediates between the terminal device's location information and the UPF selection decision. The AF receives location information, determines whether a new UPF should be inserted, and coordinates with the SMF to execute the UPF insertion. This intermediary approach improves communication efficiency by enabling location-based optimization while containing complexity within the AF rather than propagating it throughout the entire session management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the UPF insertion decision process into distinct functional modules: location information acquisition, location change determination, UPF insertion decision, and execution. This segmentation allows communication efficiency to be improved through targeted UPF insertion while managing complexity by localizing it to specific functional segments rather than the entire system.
3Length of moving object
If the AF determines whether to insert a new UPF based on terminal location, then the communication path is optimized, but the processing complexity at the AF increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AF performs preliminary actions by acquiring and storing location information of the terminal device in advance. By having location information readily available before a communication path optimization decision is needed, the AF can quickly determine whether to insert a new UPF without complex real-time processing. This preliminary preparation optimizes the communication path length while minimizing the processing complexity at the moment of decision.
Solution Approach 2:
The AF serves itself by using its own capabilities to determine whether a new UPF should be inserted based on terminal location. Rather than requiring complex external coordination for each UPF insertion decision, the AF autonomously evaluates location information and makes the determination, thereby optimizing the communication path while keeping processing complexity contained within the AF's existing functional capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a communication method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: receiving data network identification information from a session management function network element, where the data network identification information includes an identifier of at least one data network a first terminal device at a current location; and sending a first message to the session management function network element when the first terminal device has not accessed a first data network, where the first message includes an identifier of the first data network, the identifier of the at least one data network that supports serving the first terminal device at the current location includes the identifier of the first data network, and the first message is used to establish a data path between a user plane function network element corresponding to the first data network and a classifier node. In embodiments of the present invention, the data path between the user plane function network element corresponding to the data network and the classifier node is established, so that a communication path between the terminal device and the data network can be shortened.