Remote UE Relay Access via IWF for Secure 5G Core Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing L3 UE-to-NW relay schemes in 5G wireless communication systems face issues such as lack of network access stratum (NAS) connection, end-to-end security, and IP session continuity when switching data paths between radio and relay links, particularly for remote UEs accessing the 5G Core via PC5 UE-to-NW relay paths.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Interworking Function (IWF) to establish a NAS connection and IPsec security association for remote UEs, enabling Access Traffic Steering, Switching, and Splitting (ATSSS) via N3IWF, and managing multi-access packet data unit (MA-PDU) sessions to ensure service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If L3 UE-to-NW relay schemes are implemented for remote UE access, then transmission speed and flexibility are improved, but transmission complexity and lack of NAS connection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Interworking Function (IWF) as an intermediary component that bridges the relay UE and the 5G Core Network. The IWF establishes NAS connections with the remote UE through the relay UE, providing network access stratum functionality that was previously absent in L3 relay schemes. This mediator resolves the contradiction by adding the necessary network layer connectivity without fundamentally changing the L3 relay transmission mechanism, thereby maintaining speed and flexibility while reducing complexity through standardized interworking procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PC5 UE-to-NW relay paths are used for remote UE access, then access flexibility is improved, but end-to-end security and service continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security and connectivity management into distinct functional components: the PC5 relay path handles flexible access between remote UE and relay UE, while the IWF handles end-to-end security and NAS connections with the 5G Core. This segmentation allows the flexible PC5 relay mechanism to operate independently for access purposes, while the IWF provides dedicated security functions including IPsec tunnel establishment and NAS message routing, thereby resolving the contradiction between access flexibility and security reliability.
3Device complexity
If L3 relay access is implemented without IWF, then device complexity is reduced, but NAS connection and service continuity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The IWF is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides NAS connection establishment, IPsec security management, PDU session handling, and service continuity maintenance. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal interworking entity, the system achieves reliable NAS connectivity and service continuity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The IWF handles multiple responsibilities that would otherwise require separate complex mechanisms, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more particularly to providing connectivity of a PC5 remote user equipment (UE) with UE-to-network (NW) relay access to the 5G core (5GC) via an IWF (e.g., N3IWF). In one aspect, a remote UE may be provided support for a network access stratum (NAS) connection with 5GC via an IWF. In another aspect, Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) support may be provided for a remote UE.