Network Element Switching for 5G Location Delay Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, the re-establishment of user plane secure connections for terminal location services causes a locating delay, as the process is triggered only when a new location request arrives.
Innovation Solution
A network element switching method that allows a mobility management network element to proactively select a new Location Management Function (LMF) network element for a terminal when it moves out of the service range of the current LMF, ensuring a pre-established user plane secure connection for subsequent location services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the user plane secure connection is re-established only when a location request arrives, then the system operates with simpler triggering conditions, but the locating delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively re-establishing the user plane secure connection when the terminal moves out of the current LMF's service range, before a new location request arrives. The AMF detects the terminal's location update and triggers connection re-establishment in advance, so that when a subsequent location service is needed, the connection is already available, thereby reducing locating delay.
2Loss of time
If the user plane secure connection is maintained continuously, then the locating delay is reduced, but the energy consumption and system resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the user plane secure connection state dynamic rather than static. The connection is re-established only when specific conditions are met (terminal location updates and moves out of service range), and is released when no longer needed. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between reducing locating delay and conserving energy/resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the AMF monitors terminal location updates and service range information. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently decides when to re-establish or release the user plane secure connection, ensuring the connection is maintained only when necessary for reducing locating delay while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.
3Productivity
If the user plane secure connection is released after locating service completion, then system resources are freed, but the locating delay increases for subsequent services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by re-establishing the user plane secure connection in advance when the terminal moves out of the current LMF's service range, before subsequent location services are needed. This proactive approach ensures that when location services are required, the connection is already in place, reducing locating delay while allowing the system to release resources when the terminal remains within the service range.
Data Source
AI summary
A network element switching method, an apparatus, and a system. This solution includes: a first mobility management network element obtains first information, where the first information is used to determine that a first user plane secure connection exists between a first LMF network element and a terminal; determines that a location of the terminal is updated; and when the terminal is located outside a service range of the first LMF network element, and determining, based on the first information, that the terminal has the first user plane secure connection, the first mobility management network element selects a second LMF network element for the terminal. In this solution, the first mobility management network element may perceive existence of the first user plane secure connection, so that an LMF network element can be switched for the terminal in a timely manner after the terminal moves.