5G NAS Message Exchange for PDU Session Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G wireless communication system faces challenges in efficiently managing session and mobility management functions, terminal identification, and security, particularly when terminals hand over between 5G and 4G LTE networks, due to the separation of access and mobility management entities from session management entities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a terminal and network entity to exchange Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages containing session-related information, including state information and bearer support details, via a base station, to manage PDU sessions and ensure seamless communication and security across different network environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If session management and mobility management are separated into different network entities in 5G, then network functionality and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of terminal identification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network management functions into separate entities: AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) for mobility management and SMF (Session Management Function) for session management. This segmentation allows each entity to specialize in specific functions, improving network flexibility and adaptability while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the AMF as an intermediary entity that handles terminal identification and mobility management, while the SMF handles session management. The AMF acts as a mediator between the terminal and the SMF, simplifying the terminal's interaction complexity by providing a unified interface for mobility-related operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If terminals hand over between 5G and 4G LTE networks, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but security management and session continuity become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal session management approach where the SMF maintains session context that can be preserved across different network types (5G and 4G LTE). The session management functionality is designed to work universally across multiple radio access technologies, ensuring session continuity and consistent security management during handovers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary session establishment and security context setup before handover occurs. The AMF and SMF pre-configurate session parameters and security contexts, so that when handover between 5G and 4G occurs, the terminal can seamlessly continue using the established session without requiring complex real-time security renegotiation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a 5G or pre-5G communication system for supporting a higher data transfer rate than a 4G communication system such as LTE. In a method of a terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method of a terminal in a wireless communication system supporting a plurality of PDU sessions is proposed, the communication method comprising: a step of transmitting, via a base station to a network entity responsible for mobility management, a first NAS message including first state information indicating whether to activate each of the plurality of PDU sessions; and a step of receiving, via the base station from the network entity, a second NAS message including second state information indicating whether to activate each of the plurality of PDU sessions.