5G Session Management for Accurate Multi-Session Quota Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G core network architecture lacks mechanisms for ensuring that the same Session Management Function (SMF) and Policy Control Function (PCF) are selected for multiple PDU Sessions towards the same Data Network Name (DNN) and Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), leading to potential quota overconsumption and usage monitoring issues.
Innovation Solution
A session management solution that ensures the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) selects the same SMF and PCF for multiple sessions by utilizing subscription and policy data indications, ensuring consistent session management and policy control for UE sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different SMF instances are selected for multiple PDU Sessions to support load balancing and graceful shutdown, then system reliability and maintainability are improved, but usage monitoring accuracy deteriorates and quota control becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the AMF check subscription data and policy data before selecting an SMF instance to determine whether same-SMF indication is required. This pre-check mechanism ensures that when usage monitoring is needed, the appropriate SMF is selected in advance, preventing the problem of inaccurate monitoring that would occur if different SMFs were randomly assigned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using subscription data and policy data to inform the SMF selection process. The system continuously checks whether same-SMF indication is required based on stored user data, and this feedback loop ensures that SMF selection aligns with usage monitoring requirements, resolving the contradiction between load balancing and monitoring accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If same SMF is selected for multiple PDU Sessions to enable usage monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but load balancing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the SMF selection process adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically determines whether to select the same SMF or different SMFs based on real-time checks of subscription data and policy data. This dynamic approach allows the system to balance between usage monitoring accuracy and load balancing capability depending on specific user requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different selection strategies to different users or sessions based on their specific characteristics. The AMF checks user-specific subscription data and policy data to determine the appropriate selection approach, allowing some users to have same-SMF selection for monitoring while others benefit from different-SMF selection for load balancing.
3Device complexity
If same PCF is selected for multiple sessions of the same UE to the same DNN, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of flexible PCF selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the PCF selection mechanism serve multiple functions: it automatically selects the same PCF when same-PCF indication is required (reducing complexity) while also supporting different PCF selection when flexibility is needed (maintaining operability). This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between simplicity and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for session management. A method comprises receiving from a user equipment (UE) a request for establishing another session to a data network identified by a data network identification. At least one existing session of the UE has been established to the data network. The method further comprises checking whether the subscription data or the policy data for the UE includes a first indication which indicates that a same session management node for multiple sessions to the data network identified by the same data network identification is required. The method further comprises selecting the same session management node as the at least one existing session for the UE when the subscription data or the policy data includes the first indication. The method further comprises sending a session establishment request to the selected session management node.