Endpoint Identification for 5G QoS via Exposure Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless systems, identifying devices or endpoints connected via a 5G network is challenging, especially when they are hidden behind a user equipment (UE), making it difficult for application functions (AFs) to determine whether to request quality of service (QoS) from the 5G system.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves using the 3GPP exposure framework to provide the identity of wirelessly connected endpoints, enabling AFs to request QoS from the 5G system by learning MAC addresses and associating them with UE IDs, and using protocols like IEEE 802.1Qcc for deterministic traffic support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are connected via UE to 5G system, then network connectivity and flexibility are improved, but device identification and QoS management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an exposure function as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the AF and the 5G system. This exposure function subscribes to device information from the 5G system and publishes it to the AF, enabling the AF to identify devices connected via UE without directly accessing the 5G core network. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled interface that maintains network security while enabling device identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network architecture into distinct functional components: the AF layer, the exposure function layer, and the 5G core network layer. By separating the device identification function into a dedicated exposure function, the system enables AFs to access device information without requiring direct access to the entire 5G core network, thus maintaining connectivity flexibility while simplifying device identification.
2Reliability
If AF requests QoS for all devices, then service quality is improved, but network signaling overhead and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exposure function implements a feedback mechanism where it subscribes to device information from the 5G system and selectively publishes information based on AF subscriptions. This feedback loop enables the AF to receive only relevant device information, allowing it to request QoS only for devices it needs to manage, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining service quality for targeted devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the AF to request QoS for all possible devices, the patent enables partial action by allowing the AF to subscribe to and receive information only about specific devices or device types that are relevant to its function. This selective approach reduces the quantity of signaling messages while ensuring adequate service quality for the subset of devices that matter to the AF.
3Ease of operation
If device information is exposed to AF, then QoS management capability is improved, but network security and privacy requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The exposure function serves as a security intermediary that controls and filters device information before presenting it to the AF. It subscribes to device information from the 5G system using authorized credentials and selectively publishes only the information that the AF is entitled to receive based on subscription criteria. This intermediary layer maintains network security by preventing unauthorized access while enabling QoS management for authorized AFs.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for identifying devices or endpoints connected via a 5GS, in order to provide a desired quality of service (QoS), are described.