RAG UPF Edge Integration for 5G Latency Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G wireless communication system faces challenges in reducing packet latency and eliminating unnecessary IP packet manipulation due to the separation of user plane functions between the radio access network and the core network, leading to increased costs and complexity in cloud-based infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
An architecture is proposed where a part of the user plane function (UPF) is integrated with the central unit (CU)-control plane (CP) in the radio access gateway (RAG), allowing for a split of the UPF into edge and anchor functions, which simplifies the network by eliminating unnecessary IP packet manipulation and reducing latency through direct user traffic transmission without relying on cloud-based data centers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UPF functions are separated between radio access network and core network, then network flexibility and control are improved, but packet latency increases and unnecessary IP packet manipulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The UPF function is segmented into two distinct parts: UPF edge function integrated with the radio access gateway (RAG) in the radio access network, and UPF anchor function remaining in the core network. This segmentation allows user plane data to be processed locally at the edge for common operations, reducing latency while maintaining the ability to anchor in the core network for control and management flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The RAG acts as an intermediary between the radio access network and the core network UPF anchor. It integrates the UPF edge function to perform local IP packet processing and routing decisions, serving as a mediator that reduces unnecessary packet manipulation and latency while maintaining connectivity to the core network for controlled functions.
2Ease of operation
If UPF functions are separated between radio access network and core network, then control plane separation is improved, but cloud-based infrastructure costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RAG integrates multiple functions including the radio access gateway function and the UPF edge function into a single unified node. This merging reduces the number of separate cloud-based infrastructure components needed, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining control plane separation through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The RAG with integrated UPF edge function performs self-contained IP packet processing and routing decisions locally, reducing the dependency on cloud-based infrastructure for routine user plane operations. This self-service capability simplifies the cloud infrastructure by eliminating unnecessary complex cloud-based packet manipulation functions.
3Productivity
If UPF edge function is integrated with RAG, then packet processing efficiency is improved, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UPF function is segmented into edge and anchor components with clearly defined functional boundaries. The edge function is integrated with the RAG for efficient local packet processing, while the anchor function remains in the core network for centralized management. This segmentation maintains architectural clarity despite the integration, managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 4th generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), and a 5th generation (5G) or pre-5G communication system for supporting higher data transmission rates than 4G communication systems. A method performed by a session management function (SMF) device in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving, by the SMF device, a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request message from an access and mobility management function (AMF), transmitting, by the SMF device, a PDU session establishment response message to the AMF, transmitting, by the SMF device, a first session establishment request message to a user plane function (UPF) anchor, receiving, by the SMF device, a first session setup establishment message from the UPF anchor, transmitting, by the SMF device, a second session establishment request message to a radio access gateway (RAG), and receiving, by the SMF device, a second session establishment response message from the RAG, wherein the RAG includes a central unit (CU)-user plane (UP) and a UPF edge.