5G to EPS Interworking PDU Session Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in the transition between 5G and EPS networks, there is a challenge in handling PDU sessions of Ethernet type, as these are not supported by EPS networks without an active PDN connection, leading to unclear attachment procedures for UE devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with processing circuits and storage, capable of registering to a 5G network, establishing PDU sessions, determining session support in EPS networks, and initiating an attach procedure by mapping PDU sessions to PDN types and checking for PDN connection support, thereby facilitating attachment even when EPS networks do not support PDN connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Ethernet PDU sessions are established in 5G network, then high data rate and packet optimization are achieved, but the sessions cannot be supported in EPS network without active PDN connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interworking function (IWF) as an intermediary between 5G and EPS networks. The IWF translates Ethernet PDU sessions from 5G into PDN connections in EPS, enabling seamless session continuity during network transitions. This mediator resolves the incompatibility by adapting the session format between different network architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the PDU session parameters from 5G Ethernet format to EPS PDN connection format. By changing the session parameters and mapping Ethernet PDU sessions to equivalent PDN connections with appropriate QoS parameters, the system maintains session functionality across network boundaries despite different technical implementations.
2Reliability
If attach procedure is initiated without active PDN connection in EPS network, then attachment may be rejected, but maintaining 5G sessions requires network transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing PDN connections in the EPS network before transitioning from 5G. The UE proactively creates equivalent PDN connections with mapped QoS parameters, ensuring that when attachment is initiated, the necessary network resources are already in place, preventing rejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network responds to attachment requests by providing information about supported PDN connections and QoS capabilities. This feedback allows the UE to adjust its session parameters and ensure compatibility with the target network's requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device for handling an interworking procedure comprises at least one processing circuit configured to execute instructions of registering to a fifth generation (5G) system (5GS) network and establishing at least one Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session of a PDU session type to a Data Network (DN) identified by a first Data Network Name (DNN) and connected to the 5GS network; selecting a cell of an Evolved Packet System (EPS) network, after establishing the at least one PDU session; determining whether the at least one PDU session is supported in the EPS network; determining whether the cell supports an attach without any packet data network (PDN) connection; and initiating an attach procedure on the cell, when determining that none of the at least one PDU session is supported in the cell and the cell does not support the attach without any PDN connection.