Edge Network Node Routing for Lower 5G Signal Delay

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In existing 5G systems, signal delays occur due to the need for signals to pass through a central access and mobility management function (AMF), even when network node apparatuses are positioned near the terminal.

Innovation Solution

Deploying network node apparatuses with reduced functionality, such as nsAMF and xAMF, near the RAN to process authentication procedures and other functions, and switching processes to a central AMF for authentication, thereby reducing signal delay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If network node apparatuses are positioned near the terminal at the network edge, then signal processing speed should be improved, but signal delay increases because signals must pass through the central AMF

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing speedVSAvoidsignal delay

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The AMF functionality is segmented into two parts: authentication functions remain at the central AMF, while other processing functions are moved to edge-located network node apparatuses. This segmentation allows signals to be processed at the edge without requiring all signals to travel to the center, thereby reducing signal delay while maintaining authentication security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the edge network node apparatus handles initial signal processing and only authentications are forwarded to the central AMF. This intermediary approach allows most signals to be processed locally at the edge, reducing the need for signals to pass through the central AMF and thereby reducing signal delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If full AMF functionality is deployed at the network edge, then signal delay is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal delayVSAvoidnetwork node complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary authentication functions from the AMF and leaves them at the central location, while moving other non-authentication processing functions to the edge network node apparatuses. This extraction approach reduces edge device complexity by not requiring full AMF functionality at the edge, while still achieving signal delay reduction for non-authentication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If authentication procedures are processed at the central AMF, then security is maintained, but signal delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication signal delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments authentication signaling from other signaling by requiring authentication signals to pass through the central AMF while allowing other signals to be processed at the edge. This segmentation maintains authentication security through centralized control while reducing overall signal delay for non-authentication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4642069A1Network node device, communication system, and communication method

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 NTT DOCOMO INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A network node apparatus includes: a reception unit configured to receive a request for a specific process from a base station when a procedure, for the specific process, including an authentication procedure for a terminal, is executed in a communication system; and a transmission unit configured to transfer the request to a specific network node apparatus that includes a function for executing the authentication procedure.