Intermediate UPF Insertion for 5G Session Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G cellular wireless communication systems, maintaining session continuity is challenging when a terminal moves and loses connectivity with the anchor UPF, leading to potential service interruptions and increased operational and signaling complexity in the core network.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a new UPF is inserted between the new base station and the anchor UPF to establish a data transmission path, allowing for seamless communication by selecting an intermediate UPF based on factors like terminal location, UPF load status, and capacity, thereby supporting session continuity during handovers and service requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a terminal moves and loses connectivity with the anchor UPF, then the terminal can access a new base station, but session continuity is broken and service interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate UPF as a mediator between the terminal and the anchor UPF. When the terminal moves to a new base station and loses direct connectivity with the anchor UPF, the intermediate UPF establishes a new data transmission path through the new base station while maintaining connectivity to the anchor UPF. This intermediary UPF ensures session continuity by bridging the gap between the terminal's new location and the original anchor UPF, preventing service interruption during handover.
2Reliability
If an intermediate UPF is inserted to maintain session continuity, then service interruption is prevented, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic UPF selection and insertion based on terminal location and network conditions. The SMF dynamically determines whether to insert an intermediate UPF by evaluating the terminal's current location, the anchor UPF's support capabilities, and network load status. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to changing conditions and insert intermediate UPFs only when necessary, managing complexity through conditional deployment rather than permanent structural additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user plane function by introducing intermediate UPFs that can be independently selected and managed. Instead of requiring a monolithic UPF architecture, the system divides the user plane path into segments that can be dynamically assembled. The intermediate UPF handles only the specific segment between the new base station and the anchor UPF, allowing for modular management and reduced overall system complexity through functional segmentation.
3Reliability
If the anchor UPF supports the terminal directly, then session continuity is maintained, but the system cannot adapt to terminal movement and location changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the SMF pre-evaluate whether an intermediate UPF is needed before the terminal actually loses connectivity with the anchor UPF. The system proactively selects and inserts an intermediate UPF based on predicted terminal movement and location changes, rather than reacting after service interruption occurs. This preliminary intervention ensures continuous session maintenance while adapting to terminal mobility before the problem arises.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The present disclosure relates to a method for supporting a session continuity for a terminal in a 5G cellular wireless communication system.