Network Exposure Function for Cellular IoT Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems face challenges in providing reliable Cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) services due to limitations in network exposure and management functions, particularly in supporting Machine Type Communication (MTC) and network slicing, which affect data transmission efficiency and service reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of enhanced network exposure functions and management protocols, such as the Network Exposure Function (NEF) and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), which configure network functions for IoT data transmission, enable better support for CIoT services by exposing network capabilities and managing IoT data transmission effectively within 5G systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current 5G network functions are used, then basic connectivity is provided, but reliability for CIoT services is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network function by introducing a dedicated User Plane Function (UPF) specifically for CIoT services, separating it from the general 5G network functions. This segmentation allows CIoT services to receive specialized handling with enhanced reliability while maintaining the overall system architecture's modularity and manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Network Exposure Function (NEF) as an intermediary between the CIoT services and the core network functions. The NEF mediates network exposure, enabling CIoT services to access network capabilities without directly complicating the core network architecture, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
2Reliability
If network exposure functions are enhanced for CIoT, then service reliability improves, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the User Plane Function (UPF) with multi-functionality to handle both CIoT services and general 5G user plane traffic. By making the UPF universal, the system avoids creating separate dedicated infrastructure for CIoT, thereby improving CIoT reliability while preventing significant increases in network management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms within the Network Exposure Function (NEF) and between UPF and core network functions. These feedback loops enable dynamic adjustment of network resources and policies based on CIoT service requirements, improving reliability through adaptive management while keeping the management process automated and controlled.
3Productivity
If existing user plane function is used, then general data transmission is supported, but CIoT optimization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring the User Plane Function (UPF) with location-specific parameters and policies optimized for CIoT services. The UPF can selectively apply different handling mechanisms based on the local characteristics of CIoT traffic, such as prioritization for machine type communication and optimized routing for IoT devices, thereby improving transmission efficiency and service adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic capabilities to the User Plane Function (UPF) enabling it to adapt its behavior based on real-time CIoT service requirements. The UPF can dynamically adjust packet routing, quality of service parameters, and resource allocation in response to changing network conditions and service needs, significantly improving both transmission efficiency and adaptability for CIoT services.
Data Source
AI summary
A network exposure function receives, from an application function, a first message requesting delivery of one or more Internet of Things (IoT) packets to a wireless device. The network exposure function sends, to a network repository function, a second message requesting a discovery of a user plane function that supports cellular IoT optimization. The network exposure function receives, from the network repository function, a third message comprising an identifier of the user plane function that supports the cellular IoT optimization. The network exposure function sends, to the user plane function, a fourth message requesting delivery of the one or more IoT packets to the wireless device.