Intermediate Session Management Function for Data Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for offloading data traffic in wireless networks, where a single session management function controls both the anchor user plane function and local user plane function, lacks clarity on how to establish a data path when the anchor session management function cannot control the local user plane function.
Innovation Solution
Introducing an intermediate session management function between the access and mobility management function and the anchor session management function to control the intermediate user plane function, allowing for the selection of a second computing device to manage data network access and establish a context for data offloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single session management function controls both the anchor user plane function and local user plane function, then the system structure is simplified, but the ability to establish data paths is compromised when the anchor session management function cannot control the local user plane function
Solution Approach 1:
The session management function is segmented into multiple independent entities: anchor session management function, local session management function, and intermediate session management function. Each segment controls specific user plane functions within its service area, allowing data path establishment to proceed even when one segment cannot control the local user plane function.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate session management function is introduced as a mediator between the anchor session management function and the local user plane function. This intermediary establishes the data path when direct control from the anchor session management function to the local user plane function is not possible, ensuring reliable data path establishment.
2Reliability
If an intermediate session management function is introduced, then data path establishment reliability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The session management function is segmented into multiple independent entities: anchor session management function, local session management function, and intermediate session management function. Each segment controls specific user plane functions within its service area, allowing data path establishment to proceed even when one segment cannot control the local user plane function.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate session management function is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a mediator that can operate in multiple scenarios: establishing data paths when anchor session management cannot control local user plane function, coordinating between different session management functions, and maintaining service continuity. This universal design justifies the added complexity by providing versatile solutions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for offloading data traffic involves: receiving, from a first computing device carrying out an anchor session management function, a request to insert an intermediate session management function in a signaling path, wherein the request includes a data network access identifier of a data network to which the data traffic is to be offloaded; using the data network access identifier, selecting a second computing device to carry out an intermediate session management function; and transmitting a message to the second computing device to create a context for the wireless communication device.