Dynamic OTT User Plane Function Selection for Low-Delay 5G Handoffs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 5G cellular networks face scalability issues due to complex cloud-based servers and unnecessary delays in user plane function (UPF) architectures, particularly during handoff, which affect mobile user experiences.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic autonomous user plane function (UPF) as an over-the-top (OTT) application that allows user equipment (UE) to select and establish logical tunnels with UPFs based on location and application usage data, enabling on-demand service and enhanced routing decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cloud-based servers are used for 5G calls, then network coverage is provided, but system complexity and scalability issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the UPF function from the traditional cloud-based core network and implements it as a lightweight container that can be deployed at the network edge or even in the UE itself. This extraction eliminates the need for complex cloud servers while maintaining network coverage, as the UPF can operate autonomously at the edge without requiring centralized cloud infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic UPF selection and relocation based on real-time conditions. The UPF can be dynamically instantiated at different locations (edge or UE) depending on the communication scenario, and can dynamically relocate during handovers. This dynamic approach simplifies the system by allowing flexible deployment without fixed complex infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If UPF sits behind RAN in conventional architecture, then network control is maintained, but user experience speed is reduced due to unnecessary delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork controlVSAvoiduser experience speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the UPF location dynamic by allowing it to be instantiated at the network edge or in the UE based on real-time communication needs. When speed is critical, the UPF can be placed closer to the UE (at the edge or within the UE itself), eliminating the RAN relay delay while maintaining network control through centralized management of the lightweight container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed UPF architecture is used during handoff, then network stability is maintained, but service continuity is affected due to disconnect delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidhandoff delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic UPF selection during handoffs, where the network can proactively select a target UPF before the actual handoff occurs. The UPF can be pre-established at the target location, and the UE can be configured to switch to the new UPF in advance or during the handoff process, eliminating service interruption and reducing handoff delay while maintaining network stability through controlled transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If single UPF for entire session is used, then network simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different locations and applications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork simplicityVSAvoidlocation and application adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the UPF selection dynamic based on location and application characteristics. Instead of a fixed single UPF for the entire session, the system can select different UPFs for different applications or location segments within a session. The lightweight container architecture enables this flexibility without significantly increasing overall network complexity, as each UPF instance remains simple but can be dynamically instantiated and selected based on current needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260020085A1Dynamic autonomous user plane function (UPF) as an over-the-top (OTT) application

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device comprising: a processing system including a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising: obtaining location data associated with user equipment; obtaining application usage data associated with one or more applications that are installed on the user equipment; selecting a user plane function (UPF) from among a plurality of user plane functions (UPFs) that are accessible on a core network of a communications system, wherein the selecting is based upon the location data, the application usage data, or any combination thereof, and wherein the selecting results in a selected UPF; facilitating formation of a logical tunnel to the selected UPF; and engaging in communications with the selected UPF via the logical tunnel. Other embodiments are disclosed.