5G-4G Session Continuity via N26 Without Redundant Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks face challenges in providing seamless session continuity with 4G/LTE networks due to unnecessary message traffic and latency caused by S6a/SWm-triggered messaging during UE registration, especially when dual registration is not required.
Innovation Solution
Optimizing session continuity by leveraging the N26 interface for interworking between 5G and 4G/LTE networks, and restricting session continuity functions to avoid unnecessary messaging through the ePDG/AAA registration, thereby reducing bandwidth usage and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If S6a/SWm-triggered messaging is used for session continuity during UE registration, then session continuity between 5G and 4G/LTE networks is maintained, but network traffic increases and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary S6a/SWm-triggered messaging from the session continuity process by utilizing the N26 interface instead. This eliminates redundant message exchanges while preserving the essential session continuity function between 5G and 4G/LTE networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the session continuity mechanism into two paths: one using N26 interface for direct interworking between 5G and 4G/LTE networks, and another using S6a/SWm interfaces only when necessary. This segmentation allows optimization by using the more efficient N26 path while maintaining fallback capability.
2Reliability
If S6a/SWm-triggered messaging is used for session continuity during UE registration, then session continuity between 5G and 4G/LTE networks is maintained, but registration latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming S6a/SWm-triggered messaging sequence by implementing direct N26 interface communication between 5G and 4G/LTE networks. This extraction of the redundant messaging step directly reduces registration latency while maintaining session continuity.
3Reliability
If session continuity functions are extended to ePDG/AAA registration, then comprehensive session continuity is achieved, but unnecessary messaging and bandwidth usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by restricting session continuity functions to specific network interfaces (5G-AN and EPC) where they are most effective, rather than universally applying them to all registration types including ePDG/AAA. This localized approach optimizes bandwidth usage while maintaining session continuity where it provides the greatest benefit.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for optimizing session continuity management during 5th Generation (5G) and 4G/Long Term Evolution (LTE) interworking. Conventional 4G/LTE and 5G interworking involves session continuity subscription or retrieval operations to obtain the latest mobility data for a user equipment (UE) attempting to attach to a particular communications network. These operations include exchanging various messages can be avoided by determining the existence of an Authentication, Authorization, Accounting (AAA)/evolved Packet Data Network Gateway (ePDG) registration (among other conditions).