In-band User Plane Function Selection via Segment Routing Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing user plane selection mechanisms in mobile core networks face inefficiencies due to the need for constant information exchange between control and user plane components for dynamic load balancing, requiring out-of-band monitoring and initial session information exchange.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Segment Routing Load Balancing (SRLB) allows for in-band load balancing by using segment routing identifiers and metadata within the routing header, enabling recursive load balancing among user plane function entities without the need for initial message exchange between control and user plane components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If constant information exchange between control plane and user plane components is used for dynamic load balancing, then load balancing capability is improved, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The user plane function entities autonomously determine their own selection based on segment routing headers embedded in packets, without requiring control plane involvement in each selection decision. The control plane only performs initial configuration, after which the system self-manages load balancing independently
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane pre-configures segment routing headers with segment identifiers for multiple user plane function entities before traffic arrives. This preliminary action enables subsequent rapid load balancing decisions without real-time control plane intervention
2Measurement precision
If out-of-band monitoring and initial session information exchange are used for user plane selection, then selection accuracy is improved, but message overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines user plane selection functionality with the standard segment routing mechanism already present in the protocol stack. By embedding segment identifiers in existing segment routing headers rather than using separate selection protocols, the system eliminates redundant message exchanges while maintaining selection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The segment routing header structure serves dual purposes: it performs both its traditional routing function and simultaneously carries user plane function selection information through embedded segment identifiers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate selection messaging
3Productivity
If state information maintenance is required for load balancing decisions, then load balancing effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts load balancing state information from the control plane and embeds it directly into the packet data flow itself via segment routing headers. Each packet carries its own routing instructions, eliminating the need for centralized state maintenance while preserving load balancing effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A user plane selection mechanism is provided that leverages an in-band load balancing scheme, e.g., Segment Routing Load Balancing (SRLB). Information in the form of segment identifiers (complemented by metadata) is passed to the components. As a result, the effective user plane function selection can be done in-band at the transport level.