N3IWF Segmentation for 5G Non-3GPP User Plane Local Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network standards do not adequately support User Plane Local Offloading (UPL) and User Plane Separation (UPS) for non-3GPP access, particularly in scenarios involving untrusted and trusted non-3GPP access, and fixed access, which is essential for delay-sensitive applications like Mobile Edge Computing (MEC).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods such as IKE clone and relocation, IPSEC endpoint separation, and TLS-based User Plane Separation (UPS) solutions, which enable the combination of Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF)-User Plane (N3IWF-UP) and User Plane Function (UPF) as a single node, allowing two Control Plane entities to control one User Plane entity, and supporting local breakout use cases by optimizing traffic routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If User Plane Separation and Local Offloading are implemented for non-3GPP access, then traffic routing efficiency and latency are improved, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The N3IWF is segmented into separate control plane (N3IWF-CP) and user plane (N3IWF-UP) functions. The control plane remains centralized for authentication and session management, while the user plane can be distributed locally to enable efficient traffic routing and local offloading for non-3GPP access types.
Solution Approach 2:
A gateway function is introduced as an intermediary between the centralized control plane and distributed user plane functions. This gateway mediates control signaling while allowing user data traffic to flow directly through local user plane functions, resolving the contradiction between centralized control and distributed forwarding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Control Plane entities control a single User Plane entity, then control flexibility and adaptability are improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user plane function is designed with multi-functionality to support control from multiple control plane entities simultaneously. It can handle authentication, session management, and data forwarding for different access types (untrusted non-3GPP, trusted non-3GPP, fixed access) through a single unified interface, enabling flexible control while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Loss of time
If User Plane Local Offloading is implemented, then latency is reduced for delay-sensitive applications, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
User plane functions are pre-configured and deployed at strategic network locations before traffic arrives. This preliminary placement enables immediate local offloading of user data traffic without requiring complex real-time configuration or routing decisions, reducing latency for delay-sensitive applications while simplifying operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods to support User Plane Separation (UPS) and User Plane Local offloading (UPL) for Fifth Generation (5G) non-Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access are provided, including solutions for untrusted non-3GPP, trusted non-3GPP, and fixed/wireline communications via a Non-3GPP interworking Function (N3IWF) node. Three UPS solutions methods are provided, as well as UPL solution methods for 5G non-3GPP access involving N3IWFs with or without separated Control Plane (CP) and User Plane (UP) that are combined with a User Plane Function (UPF). Solutions to allow multiple CP entities to control the same single UP entity are also provided.