Micro-UPF Integration with Application Servers for 5G PDU Sessions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems require two network segments for connectivity, leading to complex interworking between the 5G network and data networks, unnecessary network hops, and increased attack surfaces, especially in local connectivity scenarios with specific quality of service and reliability requirements.
Innovation Solution
Introducing micro-user plane functions (UPF) co-located or integrated with application servers, allowing the application to influence its own protocol data unit (PDU) session anchor, thereby eliminating the need for a separate data network and providing direct 5G connectivity between user equipment and applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two network segments are used for connectivity between 5G network and data networks, then network coverage and service availability are improved, but device complexity and interworking complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data network functionality directly into the 5G core network by integrating the UPF with the application server. This eliminates the need for separate data network infrastructure and reduces interworking complexity while maintaining service availability through direct 5G connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the user plane functionality (UPF) from the traditional data network architecture and relocates it directly to the application server within the 5G network. This extraction simplifies the overall architecture by removing unnecessary network segments while preserving connectivity reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional network architecture with separate data network is used, then network management flexibility is maintained, but unnecessary network hops are introduced increasing latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UPF and application server into a single integrated entity, eliminating intermediate network hops. This merging reduces latency by providing direct connectivity between user equipment and applications while maintaining network management flexibility through standardized 5G interface protocols.
3Ease of operation
If co-located micro-UPF is deployed with application server, then connectivity is simplified and security is enhanced, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the application server multi-functional by integrating UPF capabilities directly into it. This universal design allows the application server to simultaneously perform application processing and packet routing functions, simplifying connectivity while the standardized interface protocols prevent architecture complexity from increasing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for initiating or providing application specific protocol data unit (PDU) sessions are provided. One method may include receiving, from an application server or application function having a co-located or integrated micro-user plane function (UPF), a request to use the micro-user plane function (UPF) for an application. The method may include, based on information included in the request, determining an application specific data network name (AS-DNN) and provisioning a session management node with the micro-user plane function (UPF) information associated with the application specific data network name (AS-DNN).