NAS Message Routing Using Target Identifiers in RAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing network system architecture faces inefficiencies in NAS message transmission due to the need for AMF intermediation between the terminal and core network elements, which hinders direct interaction between the RAN and core network elements.
Innovation Solution
A message transmission method and apparatus that involves storing first data including a network service type and a target identifier allocated by a core network element, enabling the RAN to directly transmit messages to the corresponding network element by determining the appropriate core network element based on the target identifier and service type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the terminal transmits NAS messages through the AMF device in the core network, then message transmission can be achieved in the existing network architecture, but the transmission path is extended and transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the AMF intermediary from the message transmission path by enabling the RAN to directly determine and communicate with the target core network element. The RAN uses the target identifier contained in the NAS message to directly route messages to the appropriate core network element, eliminating the mandatory AMF forwarding step and reducing transmission hops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a target identifier as a new intermediary element that enables direct routing. This identifier, included in the NAS message, allows the RAN to determine the specific core network element without requiring the AMF as a mandatory intermediary, thus streamlining the transmission path while maintaining network manageability.
2Productivity
If the RAN directly interacts with core network elements, then message transmission efficiency is improved, but the difficulty of determining the appropriate core network element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-embedding the target identifier in the NAS message during message generation. This identifier is prepared in advance and included in the message payload, enabling the RAN to immediately determine the target core network element without requiring complex real-time lookup or decision-making processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The target identifier serves as a simplified intermediary that bridges the RAN and core network elements. Instead of requiring the RAN to directly identify and select core network elements through complex criteria, the pre-contained target identifier provides a straightforward routing mechanism that reduces identification difficulty.
3Loss of time
If the AMF device forwards all NAS messages, then centralized control is maintained, but the transmission path is extended and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mandatory AMF forwarding function from the message transmission path. By enabling the RAN to directly route messages to target core network elements using the contained target identifier, the AMF is removed as a compulsory intermediary, thereby reducing transmission latency and eliminating unnecessary routing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the message routing function by allowing different RAN instances to independently determine and route messages to different core network elements based on their local target identifier information. This segmentation eliminates the need for centralized AMF forwarding for all messages, reducing both latency and routing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A message transmission method and apparatus, and a storage medium, where the method includes: storing first data, where the first data includes: a first network service type and a first target identifier corresponding to the first network type, where the first target identifier is an identifier, which is allocated by a first core network element for the terminal, oriented to the first network service type, where the first target identifier is carried when the terminal initiates a request corresponding to the first network type. The present disclosure may improve the transmission efficiency of NAS messages.