Micro UPF Identifier Allocation via Service Templates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular communications systems lack a flexible and generic method for allocating identifiers to users when the user plane is distributed and decomposed into small micro User Plane Functions (UPFs), and they have limited means to introduce new services without lengthy standardization processes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of 'assign objects' in service templates allows for flexible allocation of identifiers and the extension of the Session Management Function (SMF) to support flexible service requests, enabling the decomposition of UPFs into micro UPFs and dynamic service configuration through the Chain Controller (CC).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the User Plane Function (UPF) is decomposed into multiple micro UPFs, then flexibility and adaptability to support diverse 5G use cases is improved, but the complexity of the system architecture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the monolithic UPF into multiple independent micro UPFs that can be deployed as separate network functions. Each micro UPF can be independently configured and managed, enabling flexible deployment for different use cases while maintaining overall system functionality through coordinated interaction between the micro UPFs and the Chain Controller.
2Ease of operation
If service templates with assign objects are introduced for flexible identifier allocation, then ease of service configuration is improved, but the complexity of service management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces assign objects as intermediary elements within service templates that mediate between the service configuration and identifier allocation. These assign objects automatically handle identifier assignment based on service template definitions, abstracting the complexity of identifier management from the service configuration process and enabling simpler, more flexible service deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic service reconfiguration is enabled through the Chain Controller, then adaptability to changing requirements is improved, but the overhead of service management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the Chain Controller to dynamically configure and reconfigure service chains based on changing network conditions and requirements. Service templates can be dynamically instantiated, modified, and terminated without requiring manual intervention or extensive reconfiguration processes, allowing the system to adapt to varying traffic patterns and service demands efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a method of operation of a service requestor to request a service from a chain controller in a cellular communications network in which a user plane function is decomposed into a plurality of micro user plane functions are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method comprises sending, to the chain controller, a service description or a request to update a service description. The service description comprises one or more service template instances having respective service template definitions. Each service template definition of the respective service template definitions being data that defines a set of micro user plane functions that realize a service or a part of a service. Each service template instance of the one or more service template instances comprises data that defines a reference to the respective service template definition. The method further comprises receiving a reply from the chain controller.