SMF IMS Entrance Point Discovery via Protocol Configuration Option
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current P-CSCF discovery procedures in 5G networks only provide IP addresses to UE, requiring operators to manually configure transport protocols, which is time-consuming, costly, and reduces network performance as it lacks control over protocol selection.
Innovation Solution
The method involves the SMF fetching a list of P-CSCF addresses with supported transport protocols (UDP/TCP) from the 5GS service discovery procedure and inserting this information into a Protocol Configuration Option (PCO) for the UE during IMS PDU session setup, allowing for automated configuration and optimized protocol selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of transport protocols is used, then operators can control protocol selection, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The UE autonomously selects the transport protocol (UDP or TCP) based on network conditions and service requirements without operator intervention. The network provides guidance information, but the final selection is made by the UE itself, eliminating manual configuration time while maintaining controlled protocol selection through automated means
Solution Approach 2:
The network pre-configures multiple transport protocol options (UDP and TCP) along with their respective advantages and applicable scenarios. This preliminary preparation allows the UE to make informed protocol selections based on current network conditions without requiring real-time manual configuration, thus reducing configuration time while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If manual configuration of transport protocols is used, then operators can control protocol selection, but operator effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the UE to autonomously select transport protocols based on pre-provided guidance information. This eliminates the need for operators to manually configure each UE, significantly reducing operator effort while maintaining controlled protocol selection through automated decision-making based on network requirements
3Loss of time
If automated protocol selection is implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but control over protocol selection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple transport protocol options (UDP and TCP) with their respective characteristics, advantages, and applicable scenarios. This preparation enables the UE to make informed automated selections that align with network requirements, thus reducing configuration time while maintaining control over protocol selection through pre-established guidelines
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network provides guidance information to the UE about suitable transport protocols based on current network conditions and service requirements. The UE uses this feedback to make informed automated selections, ensuring that protocol choices align with network performance requirements while maintaining reduced configuration time
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a network node in a communications network, for handling of discovery of entrance points of a User Equipment (UE) to an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, during an IMS Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session setup. The network node obtains a list of IMS entrance point instances, wherein the list of IMS entrance point instances comprises an address of each IMS entrance point instance and one or more transport protocols supported by each IMS entrance point instance. The network node generates, based on the obtained list of IMS entrance point instances, a configuration message for IMS entrance point discovery, comprising the address of the IMS entrance point instance and the one or more transport protocols supported by each IMS entrance point instance. The network node further provides to the UE the generated configuration message.