N6-LAN Steering Policy Updates for Dynamic UE Traffic Chaining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current N6-LAN routing in 5G networks requires pre-configured policies, lacking a mechanism for third-party providers to dynamically indicate user plane traffic routing within the network.
Innovation Solution
Implement procedures for configuring N6-LAN chain policies, allowing third-party Application Service Providers (ASPs) to dynamically define and modify service function chaining policies for user equipment (UE) traffic based on operator-defined policies, enabling per-application steering of traffic through ordered service functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-configured N6-LAN routing policies are used, then network security and service processing are ensured, but flexibility for third-party providers to dynamically steer traffic is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the N6-LAN routing policy into two independent parts: operator-defined base policies and third-party application-specific steering information. The operator configures service function chains and policies once, while third-party providers can dynamically add application-specific routing rules without modifying the core policy structure. This segmentation enables flexible traffic steering while maintaining policy management simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If third-party providers can dynamically configure N6-LAN policies, then service differentiation and QoE improvement are enabled, but network control and security management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where third-party providers submit application-specific steering information (application IDs, traffic filters, requested service function chains) to the network operator. The operator's policy control function validates and processes these requests against pre-configured policies, acting as a mediator that enables third-party service differentiation while maintaining network control and security through centralized validation.
3Productivity
If per-application traffic steering is implemented, then user experience and QoE are enhanced, but processing overhead and configuration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the network operator to pre-configure service function chains, service function instances, and base routing policies before third-party providers can submit application-specific steering requests. This preliminary setup enables rapid provisioning of per-application traffic steering, as third parties only need to provide application identifiers and desired service chains rather than configuring entire routing policies from scratch.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for configuring N6-LAN chain policies. One apparatus includes a processor and a network interface that receives a first request from an application function (“AF”), the first request comprising an external identifier for at least one user equipment (“UE”) and N6-LAN steering information indicating a service function or a chain of service functions in the N6-LAN that must process the user-plane traffic associated with the at least one UE. The processor translates the external identifier into a permanent subscription identifier of the at least one UE and sends a second request to a first network function to update an application data set to include the N6-LAN steering information and the permanent subscription identifier.