Access Gateway Relocation for Slice-Aware UE Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G systems face challenges in efficiently relocating a UE's access gateway during registration when the initially selected interworking function cannot support the network slices allowed for the UE, leading to inefficiencies in network resource utilization and connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves initiating a relocation command from the AMF to switch the UE's registration from an unsuitable interworking function to a suitable one, ensuring seamless continuation of the registration process through secure connectivity establishment using security keys and IPsec SA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UE initiates registration via an initially selected interworking function, then the registration process can be started, but the registration may fail or be inefficient if the selected interworking function cannot support the network slices allowed for the UE
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic relocation of the access gateway during the registration process. The AMF can dynamically switch the UE from an unsuitable interworking function to a suitable one by sending relocation commands, allowing the registration process to adapt to network conditions in real-time rather than being static
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the AMF monitors the capabilities of selected interworking functions and provides feedback to the UE through relocation commands. This feedback loop ensures that the UE is guided to appropriate network resources based on real-time network status and slice support information
2Productivity
If the AMF relocates the registration to a different access gateway, then network resource utilization is optimized, but additional signaling and connectivity establishment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the AMF pre-identify suitable interworking functions before the UE completes registration. The relocation command includes pre-prepared information about the target access gateway, including security keys and connectivity parameters, so that when relocation occurs, the necessary setup actions can be executed quickly without requiring complex real-time negotiation
Solution Approach 2:
The AMF acts as an intermediary that manages the relocation process between the UE and the target access gateway. It handles the complexity of coordinate switching, security key distribution, and connectivity establishment, shielding the UE from the underlying complexity while enabling efficient resource utilization
3Reliability
If connectivity with the first TNGF is not supported, then the relocation can be rejected, but the UE registration process is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of connectivity support between the AMF and potential TNGFs before the UE registration is fully initiated. By checking support capabilities in advance and preparing relocation decisions beforehand, the system can quickly reject unsupported connections without causing significant delays to the overall registration process
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for relocating an access gateway during UE registration. One apparatus includes a transceiver that communicates with a non-3GPP access network and a processor that selects a first N3IWF and sends a first message to the first N3IWF containing a NAS message to initiate a first registration procedure with the mobile communication network. The processor receives a first response from the first N3IWF containing an address of a second N3IWF and an identity of an AMF. The processor sends a second message to the first N3IWF indicating that the first registration procedure via the first N3IWF is to be stopped and sends a third message to the second N3IWF indicting that the first registration is to be relocated to the second N3IWF. The processor completes the first registration procedure via the second N3IWF.