IMS PDU Session Management for IP Address Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IMS networks maintain IMS PDU session/PDN connections even when there is no data traffic, leading to inefficient use of IP addresses and increased resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to dynamically establish and release IMS PDU sessions/PDN connections on demand, using S50 and SBI interfaces to manage UE contexts and IP addresses, allowing for the reuse of IMS IP addresses across subscribers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the core network holds IMS PDU session/PDN connection IP address and UE context continuously as long as the UE is powered on, then the UE can be reached for IMS services, but the IP addresses and network resources are wasted when there is no data traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection management where the IMS PDU session/PDN connection is established on-demand when IMS services are required and released when not in use. The network transitions from a static continuous connection model to a dynamic on-demand model, adjusting connection state based on actual service requirements while maintaining UE reachability through appropriate signaling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection state parameter from permanently held to conditionally held based on service activity. By monitoring data traffic patterns and service usage, the system dynamically adjusts whether to maintain or release the IMS PDU session, optimizing resource utilization while ensuring connectivity when needed.
2Loss of energy
If the core network releases the IMS PDU session/PDN connection when there is no data traffic, then network resources are optimized, but the UE may not be reachable for incoming IMS calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors service activity and data traffic patterns to determine when to establish or release IMS PDU sessions. This feedback-driven approach ensures connections are maintained based on actual usage requirements, balancing resource optimization with service availability through intelligent decision-making based on observed behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary actions by pre-establishing connection release procedures and signaling paths before actual service interruptions occur. The network prepares release mechanisms in advance, allowing seamless transition from connected to disconnected state while maintaining the capability to rapidly re-establish connections when services are needed again.
3Reliability
If IMS IP addresses are allocated to each UE permanently, then each UE has dedicated IMS connectivity, but the number of available IMS IP addresses is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements IP address recovery by releasing IMS PDU session IP addresses when connections are no longer active. Released IP addresses are returned to the address pool for reuse by other UEs, enabling dynamic allocation and significantly increasing the number of supported subscribers without requiring permanent dedicated addresses for each UE.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes IMS IP addresses universal by allowing the same IP address to be allocated to different UEs at different times based on service requirements. This multi-functional use of IP addresses transforms them from UE-specific permanent resources to network-shared dynamic resources, increasing overall system capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for handling a data connection session in an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network are provided. The method includes configuring a S50 interface between a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) entity in the IMS network, and notifying a User Equipment (UE) about a Mobile Terminated (MT) Voice over LTE (VOLTE) call by using the MME. Another method includes configuring a SBI interface between an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity and the Policy Control Function (PCF) entity in the IMS network, and includes notifying a UE about a MT Voice over New Radio (VoNR) call by using the AMF entity.