SMF Data Forwarding Tunnel Configuration for 5G-LTE Interoperation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional data forwarding method in 5G and LTE network interoperation leads to redundant data routing and increased time delays, resulting in low efficiency, especially in roaming scenarios where home routing is adopted.

Innovation Solution

A data forwarding method that involves acquiring a mapping between EPS bearer information and PDU session information, and configuring a data forwarding tunnel using an SMF entity, thereby bypassing the PGW-U+UPF entity to prevent redundant data routing and reduce time delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the PGW-U+UPF entity serves as a data forwarding node in the conventional method, then data can be forwarded between 5G and LTE networks, but redundant data routing and large time delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata forwarding capabilityVSAvoiddata forwarding time delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data forwarding function from the PGW-U+UPF entity and relocates it to the SMF entity. The SMF directly establishes data forwarding tunnels with the UPF entity, eliminating the need for data to be routed back to the anchor point through PGW-U. This extraction of the forwarding function from the gateway entity and placement in the control plane entity resolves the redundant routing issue while maintaining reliable data forwarding capability between 5G and LTE networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the PGW-U+UPF entity serves as a data forwarding node, then network interoperation is supported, but data forwarding efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork interoperation capabilityVSAvoiddata forwarding efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the SMF entity pre-establish data forwarding tunnels with the UPF entity before data needs to be forwarded. The mapping between EPS bearer information and PDU session information is acquired and configured in advance, so that when data forwarding is required, the tunnel is already in place and ready for immediate use. This eliminates the need for real-time tunnel establishment and significantly improves data forwarding efficiency while maintaining network interoperation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If data is routed back to the anchor point for forwarding, then home routing in roaming scenarios is achieved, but redundant data paths and large delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehome routing supportVSAvoiddata forwarding efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the SMF entity as an intermediary that directly manages data forwarding tunnels between the UPF entity and the target base station. Instead of data being forced to return to the anchor point (PGW-U) for forwarding, the SMF acts as a mediator that establishes direct forwarding paths. This intermediary role allows home routing to be maintained in roaming scenarios while eliminating the redundant data path through the anchor point, thereby resolving the efficiency problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3934324B1Data forwarding method performed by SMF and SMF device

Publication Date: 2023.10.04 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD

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AI summary

A data forwarding method performed by an SMF entity includes: the SMF receiving (701) a mapping between EPS bearer information and PDU session information from the AMF entity or the PGW-C+SMF entity; and the SMF configuring (702) a data forwarding tunnel in accordance with the mapping between the EPS bearer information and the PDU session information.