NAS Traffic Control Rules for Coordinated 5GC Network Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network traffic control solutions in 5GC are inefficient due to lack of coordination between network functions (NFs) and lack flexible content-based traffic control in the control plane, leading to resource wastage and indiscriminate handling of abnormal traffic.
Innovation Solution
Introduce a 'NAS Traffic Control' service in network functions like AMF, allowing other NFs to set traffic control rules and actions based on specific conditions, including content-based patterns, enabling dynamic and granular control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing network traffic control solutions are used in 5GC, then basic network access control and policy control are provided, but traffic control efficiency is low and resource wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic control into multiple dimensions: control plane and user plane separation, different network function levels (AMF, SMF, UPF), and granular rule-based control. This segmentation enables precise control at appropriate levels, improving efficiency and reducing resource waste by avoiding blanket control measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic traffic control through real-time rule evaluation, dynamic policy updates, and adaptive action selection (accept, reject, ignore, throttle). The system can dynamically adjust control strategies based on current network conditions and traffic patterns, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining control effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing network traffic control solutions are used in 5GC, then basic access control is provided, but flexible content-based traffic control in control plane is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-defining traffic control rules with specific conditions, actions, and priorities before traffic arrives. The PCF pre-configures policies that the AMF and other NFs can directly evaluate and apply, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis and reducing control plane complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the PCF as an intermediary that mediates between traffic control requirements and network function execution. The PCF formulates control rules and policies, which are then applied by AMF, SMF, and UPF without requiring these functions to have complex decision-making capabilities themselves, thus managing complexity while providing flexible content-based control.
3Reliability
If control plane network functions apply rate control to limit UE traffic, then traffic limiting is achieved, but coordination between different network functions is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal traffic control framework where control rules can be applied across multiple network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF) with consistent behavior. The same rule set can enforce traffic limits at different points in the network, ensuring coordinated action and improving both reliability of control and overall effectiveness through multi-function application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network functions report traffic control status and metrics back to the PCF and relevant NFs. This feedback enables continuous optimization of control policies, ensures all NFs have consistent view of traffic conditions, and coordinates actions across the network to improve both reliability and productivity of traffic control.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for network traffic control are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a first network function (NF) receives, from a second NF, control information for controlling non-access stratum (NAS) traffic that is to be processed by the first NF. The control information instructs the first NF to perform a predetermined action on the NAS traffic when the NAS traffic satisfies a predetermined condition. The first NF sends, to the second NF, a response to the control information.