NWDAF-Guided Anchor Point Movement for 5G/4G Load Balancing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellular networks face challenges in efficiently managing anchor point movement, particularly when user equipment (UE) transitions between different cellular technologies like 5G NR and 4G LTE, as anchor points need to be fixed in 4G LTE networks but can be dynamically updated in 5G NR networks, leading to inefficiencies in load balancing and latency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a network data analytics function (NWDAF) with machine learning capabilities to analyze UE characteristics, predict future behavior, and manage anchor point transitions using a 5G NR cellular network's SMF, allowing for intelligent selection of anchor points based on historical data, load balancing, and network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If anchor points are fixed in 4G LTE networks, then network stability is improved, but adaptability to UE movement and load changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to UE movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic anchor point selection in 5G NR networks where the SMF can change the anchor point (UPF) based on UE movement, network conditions, and load balancing requirements. This is achieved through the N10 interface between SMF instances, allowing seamless anchor point transitions while maintaining connection stability. The system dynamically adapts the anchor point configuration rather than fixing it statically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the core network into multiple independent SMF instances, each capable of managing PDU sessions with different anchor points. This segmentation allows the network to distribute UE connections across multiple anchor points, providing both stability through dedicated SMF-UPF relationships and adaptability through the ability to reassign sessions to different SMF instances as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If anchor points are dynamically updated in 5G NR networks, then adaptability to UE movement is improved, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to UE movementVSAvoidnetwork complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal anchor point selection mechanism where the SMF performs multiple functions: session management, anchor point selection, load balancing, and mobility management. The N10 interface provides a standardized mechanism that handles various scenarios (UE movement, load changes, network optimization) through a single unified approach, reducing the need for separate complex mechanisms for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the SMF monitors UE location, network load, and connection quality, then dynamically adjusts anchor point selection based on this feedback. The system continuously receives information about UE movement and network conditions, processes this feedback through the N10 interface, and makes real-time anchor point adjustments to maintain optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If multiple anchor points are used for load balancing, then network efficiency is improved, but managing anchor point transitions becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidanchor point transition management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the N10 interface as an intermediary mechanism between SMF instances for anchor point transitions. This standardized interface simplifies the complexity of managing multiple anchor points by providing a uniform method for session transfer, load balancing, and anchor point reassignment. The N10 interface acts as a mediator that coordinates transitions between different anchor points without requiring complex custom logic at each node.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If anchor point transitions are frequent, then load balancing is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload balancingVSAvoidtransition latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary anchor point selection where the SMF anticipates UE movement patterns and network load changes, proactively selecting optimal anchor points before transitions are needed. By analyzing UE mobility patterns and network conditions in advance, the system can prepare anchor point assignments that minimize the frequency and impact of transitions, reducing latency while maintaining effective load balancing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250274850A1Intelligent anchor point movement

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 DISH WIRELESS LLC

AI summary

Various arrangements are presented for managing anchor point movement on a cellular network. A user equipment (UE) can be connected with the Internet via a first anchor point (e.g., user plane function) of the cellular network. A network data analytics function (NWDAF) of the cellular network can analyze one or more characteristics of the piece of UE. Based on the analysis, a second anchor point is selected and the piece of UE is connected with the selected second anchor point such that the piece of UE accesses the Internet via the second anchor point.