SGW-U/I-UPF Selection by Roaming Status and APN/DNN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecom management systems fail to allow separate selection of Serving Gateway User Plane (SGW-U) and Intermediate User Plane Function (UPF) based on subscriber status and session type, limiting the ability to optimize capacity and apply specific policies for roaming and non-roaming subscribers, as well as data and voice sessions.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that selects SGW-U/I-UPF based on the roaming status and Access Point Name (APN)/Data Network Name (DNN) of a mobile device, enabling separate selection for roaming and non-roaming subscribers and data/voice sessions in a visited network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SGW-U/I-UPF/UPF selection is based solely on current location of the subscriber, then the selection process is simple, but separate selection for roaming and non-roaming subscribers is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SGW-U/UPF infrastructure into separate entities for roaming and non-roaming subscribers. The SGW-C/SMF is configured with multiple SGW-U/UPF options and can select appropriate ones based on roaming status, thereby enabling differentiated handling without requiring complex dynamic decision-making at runtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The SGW-C/SMF is pre-configured with information about available SGW-U/I-UPF/UPF options and their characteristics. This preliminary configuration enables the system to make appropriate selections based on roaming status without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate SGW-U/UPF are deployed for roaming and non-roaming subscribers, then specific roaming policies can be applied, but the network infrastructure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by configuring the SGW-C/SMF with separate SGW-U/UPF selections for roaming and non-roaming scenarios. This logical segmentation enables policy differentiation without requiring physically separate infrastructure for each scenario, thus achieving adaptability while controlling infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The SGW-C/SMF entity serves multiple functions by being capable of selecting different SGW-U/I-UPF/UPF based on roaming status. This multi-functionality allows a single control entity to handle both roaming and non-roaming scenarios, reducing overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining the ability to apply specific policies.
3Productivity
If separate SGW-U/UPF are deployed for data and voice sessions, then capacity can be optimized for each session type, but the number of required SGW-U/UPF increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SGW-U/UPF resources into different pools or configurations suitable for voice and data sessions. The SGW-C/SMF is configured to select appropriate SGW-U/UPF based on session type indicators, enabling capacity optimization without requiring completely separate infrastructure for each session type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic selection where the SGW-C/SMF can choose different SGW-U/I-UPF/UPF based on real-time session type information. This dynamic approach allows the same physical infrastructure to be optimized for different session types on demand, achieving productivity improvement without proportionally increasing the quantity of SGW-U/UPF.
4Device complexity
If a single SGW-U/UPF serves both roaming and non-roaming subscribers, then infrastructure is simplified, but roaming-specific policies cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The SGW-C/SMF is designed as a universal control entity that can handle both roaming and non-roaming scenarios by selecting from configured SGW-U/UPF options. This multi-functionality allows a simplified single-point-of-control infrastructure to maintain adaptability for applying roaming-specific policies through intelligent selection rather than physical separation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A System and method for selecting a Serving Gateway User Plane/Intermediate User Plane Function/User Plane Function (SGW-U/I-UPF/UPF) for a mobile device in a visited network node where a roaming or a non-roaming status for the mobile device is determined, an Access Point Name (APN) / Data Network Name (DNN) for the mobile device is determined, where a Serving Gateway Control Plane/Session Management Function (SGW-C/SMF) node selects a first SGW-U/I-UPF/UPF or a second SGW-U/I-UPF/UPF for the mobile device based on the determination of the mobile device being in a roaming or a non-roaming status.