Predictive UPF Selection for Wireless Handover Latency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently switching User Plane Functions (UPFs) when wireless devices move, leading to complexities in re-configuring network tunnels and managing packet flows, particularly in edge deployments where out-of-order packet delivery and buffering issues arise.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a core network node predicts a wireless device's future positional change, selects a more suitable UPF, and triggers the establishment of a new Packet Data Unit (PDU) session, allowing for a seamless transfer of packet flows from the old to the new session, thereby simplifying the handover process and improving application-level performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If reactive UPF switching is used (switching after device moves), then network re-configuration is simpler, but handover latency increases and packet delivery reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting the wireless device's future position and proactively selecting a target UPF before the device actually moves. The network establishes a new PDU session with the target UPF in advance, so when mobility occurs, packet flows can be switched without waiting for reactive detection, thereby reducing handover latency while maintaining manageable re-configuration complexity through predictive algorithms.
2Ease of operation
If reactive UPF switching is used (switching after device moves), then handover procedure is simpler, but packet delivery reliability deteriorates due to out-of-order delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action to establish the new PDU session and configure the target UPF before the device moves, ensuring that packet forwarding paths are pre-prepared. This proactive approach allows for coordinated packet flow migration that maintains in-order delivery and reliability, avoiding the out-of-order delivery issues associated with reactive switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the network node that coordinates between the source UPF and target UPF during the handover process. The network node acts as a mediator to manage packet flow transition, ensuring proper sequencing and reliability while simplifying the overall handover procedure through centralized coordination.
3Speed
If proactive UPF selection based on predicted position is used, then handover speed increases, but network complexity increases due to prediction and selection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing predictive algorithms that forecast device position and pre-select optimal UPFs before mobility events occur. This proactive mechanism enables faster handovers by having target UPFs ready, while the complexity is managed through algorithmic prediction models rather than complex real-time decision systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If state relocation between UPFs is performed, then UPF switching is enabled, but buffering requirements increase and packet delivery becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action to establish the new PDU session and configure packet routing at the target UPF before the actual switching moment. By pre-configuring the forwarding paths and state information at the target UPF, the system eliminates the need for large buffers during transition, as packet flows are already directed to the correct destination without requiring temporary storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a core network node of a wireless communications network having a first gNB and a second gNB, a wireless device, WD, is connected to the first gNB, and a first Packet Data Unit, PDU, session is established between the WD and a Data Network over a first User Plane Function, UPF. The method includes obtaining information regarding a predicted positional change indicating a new future position of the WD and selecting a second UPF which is more suitable than the first UPF for transmission of data between an application server and the WD for the new future position. The method includes triggering establishment of the second PDU session over the second UPF, and in response to the triggering establishment of the second PDU session over the second UPF, triggering a first move of packet flows from the first PDU session to the second PDU session.