Session Management for Multi-Access PDU Sessions in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, terminal devices cannot seamlessly transition from 4G to 5G networks to utilize multi-access (MA) techniques, limiting data transmission capabilities across both 3GPP and non-3GPP networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for session management where terminal devices and network devices exchange indication information to determine if a PDU session supports MA, allowing for simultaneous data transmission across 3GPP and non-3GPP networks after a network transition, enabling the initiation of MA PDU sessions through non-3GPP networks if supported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a terminal device moves from 4G network to 5G network, then the terminal device can access 5G network, but the terminal device cannot use multi-access (MA) technique even if it supports MA
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs preliminary actions by indicating its MA capability to the network device during the PDN connection establishment phase in 4G network. The network device then determines MA PDU session parameters in advance before the terminal actually moves to 5G network, ensuring seamless MA functionality activation upon network transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces indication information as an intermediary mechanism that carries MA capability flags and session parameters between terminal device and network device. This intermediary enables the terminal to communicate its MA support status and allows the network to configure appropriate MA PDU sessions without requiring complex direct negotiation protocols.
2Productivity
If multi-access (MA) technique is not supported during network transition, then network compatibility is maintained, but data transmission efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic MA PDU session establishment where the terminal device can flexibly initiate MA sessions through non-3GPP networks based on real-time network conditions and service requirements. The system transitions from static 4G PDN connections to dynamic 5G MA PDU sessions, allowing adaptive data transmission across multiple access networks simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key network session parameters by introducing MA capability indication flags and MA PDU session parameters. These parameter changes enable the network device to distinguish between traditional single-access sessions and multi-access sessions, thereby configuring appropriate transmission paths and resources for enhanced data efficiency.
3Reliability
If indication information is exchanged between terminal device and network device, then MA PDU session can be established, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts MA capability indication and session parameters into separate, dedicated indication information fields within existing signaling messages. Rather than creating new complex signaling protocols, the MA-related information is extracted and embedded in appropriate locations within standard PDN connection establishment messages, minimizing additional overhead while ensuring reliable transmission of critical MA configuration data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for session method, a terminal device and a network device are provided. The method includes: sending, by a terminal device, first information to a first network device, wherein the first indication is used for requesting for establishing a packet data network (PDN) connection; receiving, by the terminal device, second information from the network device, wherein the second information indicates that the request, initiated by the terminal device, for establishing the PDN connection is accepted, the second information includes first indication information for indicating whether a protocol data unit (PDU) session corresponding to the PDN connection supports multi-access (MA) after the terminal devices moves from a 4th-generation (4G) network to a 5th-generation (5G) network, and the PDU session, if supporting the MA, is able to implement data transmission with a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) network and a non-3GPP network simultaneously.