Enhanced HTTP Nudm Interface for 5G UE Support in 4G Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 4G networks face challenges in supporting 5G user equipment (UE) due to limited coverage, feature requirements, and handover needs, necessitating enhanced session management and PDN gateway-control plane functions to interact with AAA servers using multiple interfaces, including Diameter-based S6b for 4G RANs and WLANs, which are not compatible with Nudm and Nudr interfaces.
Innovation Solution
Enhancing the HTTP-based Nudm interface between the SMF/PGW-C and UDM to perform authorization, provide APN profiles, update addresses, and deliver operator-specific parameters, allowing for seamless interaction and support of 5G UEs in 4G networks without relying on Diameter-based S6b interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 5G UEs are supported in 4G networks using Diameter-based S6b interfaces, then compatibility with 4G RANs and WLANs is achieved, but device complexity and interface compatibility issues arise due to multiple interface requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The Nudm interface is enhanced to perform multiple functions previously handled by separate Diameter-based S6b interfaces. The Nudm interface now handles authorization, APN profile provision, address updates, and parameter delivery for both 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses, consolidating multiple interface functions into a single universal interface that works across 4G RANs and WLANs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple interfaces (Diameter-based S6b for 4G RAN, separate interfaces for WLAN) into a single enhanced HTTP-based Nudm interface. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate interface implementations and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
2Reliability
If multiple interfaces (Diameter-based S6b and Nudm) are implemented for session management, then authorization and session control capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple interface protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The enhanced Nudm interface is designed as a universal interface that consolidates multiple protocol functions into a single HTTP-based interface. It handles authorization, session management, and parameter delivery that were previously distributed across multiple Diameter-based interfaces, reducing protocol complexity while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The Nudm interface acts as an intermediary between the SMF/PGW-C and the UDM, providing a standardized HTTP-based communication layer that simplifies interactions. This intermediary interface mediates all control plane communications, replacing the need for direct Diameter protocol interactions and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If HTTP-based Nudm interface is used for session management, then ease of operation and interface standardization are improved, but compatibility with legacy Diameter-based systems may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the interface protocol from Diameter-based to HTTP-based, changing the fundamental communication parameters. This parameter change simplifies the interface model and improves standardization while the enhanced Nudm interface maintains compatibility through careful design that preserves essential functionality across the protocol transition.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making legacy Diameter systems adapt to new requirements, the patent inverts the approach by having the Nudm interface adapt to serve both traditional and new 5G requirements. The Nudm interface is designed to work with enhanced 5G UEs while maintaining operational compatibility with existing 4G network elements, reversing the typical adaptation direction.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein enable improve handling of 5G-enabled devices in 4G core networks. The systems and methods described herein provide an enhanced HTTP-based interface between a SMF/PGW-C and a UDM to support interactions required to: (a) perform authorization of PDN access for non-3GPP networks, (b) provide an APN profile to the SMF+PGW-C for the PDN being setup, (c) update the SMF+PGW-C address in the UDM for the PDN being served by non-3GPP networks, and (d) provide operator-specific subscriber parameters from the UDM to the SMF+PGW-C for 3GPP and non-3GPP access.