Network Address Prefix Assignment via Control Plane Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication network standards do not define the procedure for a terminal device to obtain a network address prefix when the network entity responsible for assigning it is not directly requested by the terminal device.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the control plane function that receives a request for a network address prefix, determines if it is assigned by the control plane or user plane function, and transmits a Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) Session Modification Request to the user plane function to assign the prefix, with the user plane function responding with the assigned prefix, which is then transmitted to the terminal device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control plane function directly assigns the network address prefix according to current standards, then the prefix assignment procedure is simple and well-defined, but the terminal device cannot obtain the prefix when the requested network entity does not support assigning it
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane function acts as an intermediary between the terminal device and the user plane function. When the terminal device requests a prefix and the directly requested network entity cannot assign it, the control plane function receives the request, determines that the user plane function should assign the prefix, transmits a PFCP Session Modification Request to the user plane function, receives the assigned prefix, and then transmits it to the terminal device. This intermediary role ensures reliable prefix assignment while managing the complexity of the interaction between different network functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user plane function is delegated to assign the network address prefix, then the terminal device can obtain the prefix even when the control plane function does not support it, but the procedure becomes more complex requiring PFCP Session Modification Request and Response
Solution Approach 1:
The prefix assignment function is segmented between the control plane function and the user plane function. The control plane function handles request reception, determination of which function should assign the prefix, and transmission of the PFCP Session Modification Request. The user plane function handles the actual prefix assignment and responds with the assigned prefix. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different scenarios (whether control plane or user plane function assigns the prefix) while managing complexity through clear division of responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines which network function (control plane or user plane) should assign the network address prefix based on capability support. The control plane function can dynamically switch between directly assigning the prefix or delegating to the user plane function via PFCP Session Modification Request, depending on whether it supports the assignment. This dynamic behavior provides versatility while maintaining a manageable procedure through standardized interaction protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for assigning network address prefix. A method performed by a control plane function may comprise: receiving, from a terminal device, a request for assigning a network address prefix; determining whether the network address prefix is assigned by the control plane function or a user plane function; transmitting, to the user plane function, a PFCP Session Modification Request for requesting the user plane function to assign the network address prefix, if it is determined that the network address prefix is assigned by the user plane function; receiving, from the user plane function, a PFCP Session Modification Response including an assigned network address prefix; and transmitting the assigned network address prefix to the terminal device. The specific procedure for the terminal device to obtain the network address prefix from a network entity not directly requested by the terminal device may be defined.