5G Session Management Tunnel Validation for Service Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G systems, when a terminal moves out of the service area of a User Plane Function (UPF) serving it, the initial downlink data fails to be sent due to the inability to connect to the previous UPF, leading to service setup failures.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and apparatus that involve determining the validity of tunnel information by an access-network network element and notifying a session management network element when the tunnel information is invalid, allowing timely updates and preventing service setup failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal uses the previous UPF's service area information after moving, then the terminal can maintain connection with the network, but the initial downlink data fails to be sent because the terminal is unable to connect to the previous UPF
Solution Approach 1:
The access-network network element performs preliminary validation of tunnel information before attempting downlink data transmission. By checking whether the tunnel information is valid in advance, the system avoids the harmful effect of transmission failure without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The access-network network element provides feedback about the validity of tunnel information to the session management network element. This feedback mechanism enables the session management network element to update tunnel information timely, resolving the contradiction between maintaining connection and ensuring data transmission success.
2Productivity
If the session management network element performs service setup with outdated tunnel information, then the service setup process can be initiated, but the service setup fails because the tunnel information is invalid
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback loop is established where the access-network network element notifies the session management network element about invalid tunnel information. This enables timely updates that maintain both fast service setup and high success rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The session management network element autonomously updates tunnel information based on notifications from the access-network network element, without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous operational reliability while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method and apparatus, where the method includes: a session management network element sending location area information; a mobility management network element receiving the location area information from the session management network element; obtaining location information of a terminal; determining, based on the location area information and the location information, that the terminal is located outside a service area indicated by the location area information; and in response to the determination, sending, to the session management network element, a message for triggering update of a session management information.