Network Device Signaling Terminal Location to Independent UPF
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, the independent implementation of User Plane Functions (UPF) lacks sufficient information to differentiate and process session traffic, as current standards provide limited session information, making it impossible to handle traffic differently based on terminal location and radio access details.
Innovation Solution
A network device that includes a confirmation unit to gather location information such as Tracking Area Identity, NR Cell Global Identifier, GPS-based location, and access frequency, and an information providing unit to transmit this information to the UPF via direct signaling, enabling the UPF to process traffic based on terminal location and radio access details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UPF is implemented as an independent node, then the network architecture flexibility and scalability are improved, but the UPF lacks sufficient session information to differentiate and process traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the SMF (Session Management Function) as an intermediary between the control plane and the independent UPF. The SMF collects comprehensive session information including terminal location data (TAI, NCGI, ECGI, GPS) and radio access details, then transmits this information to the UPF through direct signaling. This intermediary role resolves the information loss problem while maintaining the independent UPF architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the 5G core network into distinct control plane functions (SMF, AMF, PCF) and user plane function (UPF). By separating these functions into independent nodes, the architecture gains flexibility while the SMF specifically handles the information aggregation and transmission task to ensure the UPF receives adequate session information.
2Loss of energy
If session information is limited according to current standards, then the signaling overhead between control plane and user plane is reduced, but the independent-type UPF cannot differentiate or process traffic effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the SMF collect and prepare comprehensive session information (including location and radio access details) before transmitting it to the UPF. This pre-preparation of information ensures that the UPF receives adequate data for traffic differentiation without requiring continuous additional signaling, thus balancing overhead and processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the SMF continuously monitors session information changes (such as terminal location updates via TAI, NCGI, ECGI) and dynamically transmits updated information to the UPF. This feedback loop ensures the UPF always has current session information for effective traffic processing while avoiding unnecessary signaling when no changes occur.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive location information is transmitted to the UPF, then the UPF can perform detailed traffic differentiation and processing, but the signaling complexity and information management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex task of session information management from the UPF and concentrates it in the SMF. The SMF is responsible for collecting, organizing, and transmitting only the necessary location information (TAI, NCGI, ECGI, GPS) and radio access details to the UPF. This extraction reduces signaling complexity at the UPF while enabling comprehensive traffic differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure proposes a device and a method for realizing a differentiated technology that enables UPF to differentiate and process session traffic, based on information provision between a control plane and a user plane, when processing the session traffic.