Centralized IP Address Allocation for 5G UE Control Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless systems, the centralized internet protocol (IP) address allocation for the user equipment (UE) control plane is inefficient, relying on the access and mobility management function (AMF) as a single point of contact and failure for NAS messaging.
Innovation Solution
A method where the user equipment (UE) receives an IP address for non-access stratum (NAS) messaging through a network repository function (NRF) using dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) mechanisms, enabling direct IP connectivity between the UE and core network functions for NAS signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the AMF is used as a single point of contact for NAS messaging, then the control structure is simplified and easy to manage, but the system reliability deteriorates due to single point of failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized AMF contact point into multiple distributed contact points (AMF instances). Each UE is assigned a list of multiple AMF identifiers, allowing the UE to contact any available AMF instance. This segmentation distributes the single point of failure into multiple redundant points, improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized assignment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the AMF centrally relays all NAS messages, then the message routing is simplified, but the messaging efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary relay hops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning multiple AMF identifiers to each UE before actual NAS messaging occurs. This pre-configuration enables the UE to directly select and contact an appropriate AMF instance without requiring real-time relay through a central point. The preliminary assignment of multiple contact points eliminates unnecessary relay hops while maintaining simplified routing through standardized selection criteria.
3Device complexity
If a single AMF instance is assigned to each UE, then the resource allocation is simplified, but the adaptability deteriorates when the assigned AMF becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by transitioning from a static single AMF assignment to a dynamic multiple AMF identifier assignment. The UE maintains a list of multiple AMF identifiers and can dynamically select among them based on availability. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions (AMF unavailability, load variations) while the assignment mechanism itself remains standardized and manageable, balancing complexity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, by a user equipment (UE), a first message from an apparatus, the first message including a first identifier of the UE and a second identifier that identifies an address of a first component in a network. The UE transmits a second message to the apparatus, the second message including a request for an address of a second component of the network. The UE receives a third message from the network apparatus, the third message including a third identifier of the address of the second component of the network, and the UE transmits a fourth message to the second component of the network, the fourth message including the identifier of the address of the second component of the network.