Relay UPF for Seamless 5G MEC Service Handovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G MEC systems, User Plane Function (UPF) switching can cause service interruptions to user equipment (UE), negatively impacting user experience during handovers or when UPF updates are required.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a relay UPF switch method, where the service is initially switched to a relay UPF module if the new UPF module is not activated, allowing seamless handovers and minimizing service disruptions by using a relay module before switching to the new UPF module once it is activated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UPF switching is performed during handover or UPF updates, then network flexibility and resource optimization are improved, but service continuity and user experience deteriorate due to service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay UPF as an intermediary component between the UE and the new UPF. The relay UPF temporarily forwards data packets during the UPF switching process, ensuring that service continuity is maintained while the switch occurs. This mediator approach allows the system to achieve both network flexibility through UPF updates and service continuity without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes the relay UPF and its forwarding rules before the actual UPF switching occurs. The SMF configures the relay UPF with appropriate forwarding rules in advance, so that when switching is needed, the relay is already in place to handle traffic seamlessly. This preliminary preparation ensures that the switch can occur without service interruption.
2Device complexity
If direct UPF switching is performed without relay, then device complexity is reduced, but service interruption occurs during handover
Solution Approach 1:
The relay UPF acts as a temporary intermediary that bridges the gap between the old and new UPF during switching. While this adds a component to the architecture, it eliminates service interruption time by providing a continuous path for data flow during the transition, making the trade-off worthwhile for maintaining service continuity.
3Reliability
If relay UPF is introduced to avoid service interruption, then service continuity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional relay module
Solution Approach 1:
The relay UPF is designed as a multi-functional component that can serve multiple purposes: it acts as a temporary forwarder during switching, maintains service continuity, and can be integrated into the existing UPF architecture. This universal design reduces the overall complexity by using an existing component for multiple functions rather than adding dedicated separate systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) system is provided. The MEC system includes a user equipment (UE), an MEC device, and a core network. The MEC device includes a relay User Plane Function (UPF) module, a first UPF module, and a second UPF module. The core network performs a UPF path management corresponding to the UE based on a notification of the MEC device. When the UE attaches to a network, the MEC device establishes an idle session between the UE and the relay UPF module. When the MEC device determines that a service for the UE needs to be switched from the first UPF module to the second UPF module and the second UPF module has not been activated, the MEC device notifies the core network to switch the service for the UE from the first UPF module to the relay UPF module first.