Unified PFCP Sessions for Residential Gateway Control and Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G network architectures for residential gateways face inefficiencies in resource consumption and management of PFCP sessions due to separate handling of control signaling and data traffic, which can be improved by combining these into a single PFCP session.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a combined PFCP session model that integrates forwarding rules for both control messages and data traffic in a single PFCP session, allowing for selective use of separate or combined session models based on policy, and utilizing an aggregate gateway function to establish and manage these sessions efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate PFCP sessions are used for control signaling and data traffic, then management and control are simplified, but resource consumption increases and scalability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePFCP session management complexityVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines control signaling and data traffic into a single PFCP session, merging previously separate sessions. This reduces the total number of sessions managed, decreasing resource consumption while maintaining control through unified session management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single PFCP session is designed to handle multiple functions simultaneously - both control signaling and data traffic forwarding. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated sessions, improving resource efficiency while preserving management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate PFCP sessions are used for control signaling and data traffic, then control and management are simplified, but the number of PFCP sessions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePFCP session managementVSAvoidnumber of PFCP sessions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By merging control signaling and data traffic into one PFCP session, the patent directly reduces the quantity of sessions from multiple separate sessions to a single unified session, while maintaining ease of operation through consolidated management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate PFCP sessions are used, then control signaling and data traffic can be managed independently, but scalability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent management capabilityVSAvoidscalability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified PFCP session implements multi-functionality to handle both control signaling and data traffic within a single session framework. This approach improves scalability by reducing session overhead while preserving independent management capabilities through internal session structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12452103B2Combined PFCP session model for network access by residential gateways

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

A network element includes an aggregate gateway function having a control plane and a separate user plane. The network element is configured to: establish a packet forwarding control protocol session between the residential gateway and the network; and facilitate network access by the residential gateway according to the packet forwarding control protocol session. The packet forwarding control protocol session hosts (i) a first set of forwarding rules for forwarding control messages between the control plane and the separate user plane and (ii) at least one second set of forwarding rules for forwarding data traffic between the control plane and the separate user plane.