Latency-Aware User Plane Function Selection in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fifth generation (5G) mobile networks, selecting a user plane function (UPF) based solely on proximity does not effectively prioritize latency-sensitive communications, as the closest UPF may experience high latency due to congestion or hardware issues, leading to suboptimal routing of priority traffic.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system where multiple UPFs measure and report latency to a signaling system, allowing it to select the lowest-latency UPF for priority communications, even if it is not the closest, thereby ensuring faster data transfer for latency-sensitive traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UPF selection is based solely on proximity, then routing simplicity is improved, but latency performance deteriorates due to congestion or hardware issues at the closest UPF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where UPFs report their latency status to the network. The system continuously monitors latency performance and uses this feedback to dynamically select UPFs, switching from static proximity-based selection to dynamic latency-aware selection. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining routing simplicity through automated feedback loops while improving latency performance through real-time status awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static UPF selection process into a dynamic one by introducing latency measurements and real-time status reporting. Instead of permanently assigning UEs to the closest UPF, the system dynamically adjusts selections based on current latency conditions, allowing it to switch to alternative UPFs when congestion or hardware issues arise at the primary UPF.
2Device complexity
If the closest UPF is selected for all UEs, then network infrastructure utilization is simplified, but service quality for priority traffic deteriorates when the closest UPF experiences high latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating UPF selection based on traffic priority and local latency conditions. Instead of uniform proximity-based selection for all traffic, the system implements latency-aware selection specifically for priority traffic, allowing different selection criteria for different traffic types. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple infrastructure utilization for non-priority traffic while ensuring high service quality for priority traffic through selective latency-based routing.
3Measurement precision
If latency measurement and reporting mechanisms are implemented across multiple UPFs, then latency-aware routing capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having UPFs autonomously measure their own latency and report their status to the network without requiring complex external monitoring infrastructure. Each UPF independently assesses its performance and contributes this information to the selection process, reducing system complexity while maintaining precise latency measurement capability across the network.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and techniques described herein relate to user plane system selection based on latency in mobile networks. In particular, the systems, devices, and techniques can be implemented in fifth generation (5G) mobile networks to provide selection of a user plane function (UPF) based on latency. The UPF can measure a latency toward an access network and provide an indication of the latency to a policy control function (PCF). The PCF can select the UPF based on the indication and can request the UPF to provide services to a user equipment (UE) originating a priority request. In response, the UPF can provide services to the UE.