Group Communication PDU Session Management via Pseudo-AMF

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems, such as LTE and NR, face challenges in providing effective and secure group communication within local networks, particularly in scenarios like offices and homes, where point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication is needed, requiring improved apparatus and methods for group communication performance and reliability.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a user equipment (UE) and a session management function (SMF) node in a group communication system, equipped with processors and transceivers, which transmit data and initiate connection establishment requests. The SMF node receives these requests and selects appropriate user plane function (UPF) nodes for serving the group communication, enabling group-specific packet data network (PDU) session management, including establishment, modification, and routing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication is used in local networks, then communication functionality is provided, but group communication performance and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroup communication reliabilityVSAvoidgroup communication performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the group communication into multiple unicast PDU sessions, each dedicated to a specific group member. This segmentation allows independent management and optimization of each communication path, improving overall reliability while maintaining the ability to serve multiple members simultaneously through the Pseudo-AMF node coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a Pseudo-AMF node as an intermediary between the UE and the SMF node. This intermediary coordinates the establishment and management of multiple unicast PDU sessions for different group members, enabling reliable group communication without requiring direct complex interactions between all members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing LTE and NR systems are used, then public network communication is provided, but local network group communication effectiveness is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal network communication effectivenessVSAvoidgroup communication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the Pseudo-AMF node multi-functional by enabling it to serve multiple group members simultaneously through coordinating unicast PDU sessions. This universal approach allows a single node to manage complex group communication scenarios, improving both effectiveness and reliability in local network environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic session management where the Pseudo-AMF node can establish, modify, and terminate unicast PDU sessions on demand based on group member requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to respond to changing local network conditions while maintaining communication effectiveness and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4192045A1Apparatus and method of performing a group communication
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4192045A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4192045A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4192045A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An apparatus and a method of performing a group communication are provided. The method includes: transmitting, to a first apparatus, first information in a group communication system. The first information is used to initiate a group specific PDU session in the group communication system, the first information includes S-NSSAI and/or group information, the group information is group specific DNN information. The group specific PDU session is terminated at a member in the group communication system and a serving UPF.