PCF Address Determination in 5G Ethernet PDU Session Binding

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the 5G network, it is challenging to plan and acquire a MAC address range for a Binding Support Function (BSF) and determine the Policy Control Function (PCF) address based on the Media Access Control (MAC) address of user equipment (UE), especially in scenarios with multiple BSFs, due to the lack of a solution for addressing PCF in Ethernet PDU sessions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for subscribing session information, where an Application Function (AF) or Network Exposure Function (NEF) subscribes session information from a first network function, receives notifications, and determines the PCF address based on user identifiers, MAC addresses, and other session-related information, enabling the creation, modification, or updating of binding information for Ethernet PDU sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple BSFs are deployed in the 5G network, then the network can serve more users and provide better service coverage, but it becomes difficult to plan and acquire MAC address ranges and determine PCF addresses based on UE MAC addresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage and user service capabilityVSAvoidMAC address range planning and PCF address determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a subscription-based notification mechanism as an intermediary between the BSF and AF/NEF. Instead of directly querying PCF addresses using MAC addresses, the system uses event subscriptions where the BSF notifies subscribed entities of session binding information changes, including PCF addresses. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the complexity of managing multiple BSFs by decoupling the address determination from direct MAC address queries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the BSF sends notifications to AF/NEF entities when session binding information changes. This feedback loop allows the AF/NEF to receive updated PCF address information automatically, eliminating the need for complex proactive planning and acquisition of MAC address ranges and PCF addresses across multiple BSFs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the BSF acquires PCF address by addressing according to UE MAC address, then the PCF addressing is straightforward, but there is no solution when multiple BSFs are involved and MAC address range planning is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCF address acquisition simplicityVSAvoidcapability to handle multiple BSFs and Ethernet PDU sessions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The subscription notification mechanism serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple MAC address-based addressing and the complexity of multi-BSF environments. The BSF subscribes to session binding information events and notifies AF/NEF of relevant changes, including PCF addresses, without requiring AF/NEF to directly manage MAC address ranges or PCF address mappings across multiple BSFs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes event subscriptions in advance before session binding changes occur. By pre-configuring the notification mechanism, the system prepares the infrastructure to automatically handle PCF address determination when sessions are established or modified, eliminating the need for real-time complex address planning and acquisition operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the network uses MAC address for Ethernet PDU session binding, then the binding is straightforward for vertical industrial users, but the BSF cannot acquire PCF address when multiple BSFs are deployed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesession binding implementation simplicityVSAvoidPCF address determination reliability in multi-BSF scenarios

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The notification mechanism provides reliable feedback from the BSF to the AF/NEF about session binding information changes. When a session is established or modified in a multi-BSF environment, the BSF sends a notification containing the PCF address, ensuring that the AF/NEF receives accurate and timely information about the correct PCF to contact, thereby maintaining reliability despite the complexity of multiple BSFs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The subscription-based notification system acts as a reliable intermediary that ensures accurate PCF address transmission from the BSF to the AF/NEF. This intermediary mechanism guarantees that even in complex multi-BSF scenarios with Ethernet PDU sessions, the AF/NEF receives the correct PCF address information through the standardized notification protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250008577A1Session information subscription method and apparatus, and device

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD

AI summary

The present application provides a session information subscription method and apparatus, and a device. The method, which is on an application function or capability exposure function side, comprises: subscribing to session information from a first network function; and receiving a notification for the subscription, and determining a policy control function (PCF). The solution of the present application solves the problem of PCF addressing in an Ethernet PDU session binding scenario.