Ethernet PDU Session Anchor Change with MAC Context Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G Session and Service Continuity (SSC) modes do not adequately address mobility issues for Ethernet PDU sessions, leading to increased latency and network traffic, and require complex UE support for session release and re-establishment.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing Ethernet PDU sessions by maintaining and updating Ethernet context across UPF entities, allowing for seamless PSA change without session release, thereby simplifying network and terminal handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If SSC mode 1 is used to maintain an unchanged PSA, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases and network traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic PSA selection for Ethernet PDU sessions based on UE mobility state. When UE moves to a new RAN node, the system dynamically determines whether to change the PSA based on criteria such as distance thresholds and session type, transitioning from static PSA assignment to adaptive PSA selection that balances complexity and latency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of PSA location by introducing new parameters including distance thresholds, session type indicators, and mobility state parameters. These parameter changes enable the system to select optimal PSA locations dynamically, reducing latency for mobile UEs while maintaining simplicity for stationary UEs
2Loss of time
If SSC mode 2 or 3 is used to change PSA closer to UE, then latency is reduced, but device complexity increases due to session release and re-establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different PDU session types differently - Ethernet PDU sessions receive specialized handling with MAC address preservation, while other session types follow standard procedures. This localized approach reduces complexity for Ethernet sessions specifically without affecting other sessions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by preserving and transferring the Ethernet context (including MAC address) from the old PSA to the new PSA. This copying mechanism allows seamless PSA change without requiring UE to perform complex session release and re-establishment procedures, reducing device complexity while maintaining low latency
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing SSC modes are applied to Ethernet PDU sessions, then standardization is maintained, but Ethernet-specific mobility issues are not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a PSA change mechanism that works for both Ethernet and non-Ethernet PDU sessions. The solution maintains compatibility with existing SSC modes while adding Ethernet-specific functionality through MAC address preservation, allowing the same infrastructure to serve multiple session types with different requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a session management function SMF entity of a wireless communication network may be provided. An Ethernet context for a wireless terminal may be received from a first user plane function UPF entity, wherein the Ethernet context is provided for an Ethernet Protocol Data Unit PDU Session for the wireless terminal using the first UPF entity, and wherein the Ethernet context includes a Medium Access Control MAC address for the wireless terminal. The Ethernet context including the MAC address for the wireless terminal may be transmitted to a second UPF entity. Related methods of operating user plane function UPF entities of a wireless communication network may also be provided.