SMF Event Subscription Using PDR Data for UPF Packet Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The handling of Downlink Data Delivery Status (DDD status) and Downlink Data Notification failure events in intermediate-session management function (I-SMF) is not clearly specified in current 3GPP protocols, leading to inefficiencies in packet buffering and discarding in the user plane function (UPF).

Innovation Solution

The SMF node is configured to receive subscription requests with packet detection rule (PDR) information and instruct the UPF node to buffer or discard packets based on this information, allowing for improved DDD status event handling through local policy or PDR information provided by the SMF.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If PDR information is provided in separate signaling messages between SMF and I-SMF, then the event subscription can be established, but the communication overhead increases and handling efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDDD status event handling efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines PDR information and event subscription request into a single signaling message transmitted from SMF to I-SMF. This merging eliminates the need for separate signaling exchanges, directly reducing communication overhead and improving handling efficiency while establishing the event subscription.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If PDR information is included in the subscription request, then packet buffering and discarding can be optimized, but the subscription request complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket handling efficiencyVSAvoidsubscription request structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The signaling message is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it establishes the event subscription, conveys PDR information for packet detection, and enables optimized packet buffering and discarding at the UPF. This multi-functionality approach improves packet handling efficiency without requiring separate dedicated messages for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12490077B2Status event handling associated with a session management function (SMF) node

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods for DDD status event handling with I-SMF improvement. In one embodiment, a session management function, SMF, node is provided. The SMF node includes processing circuitry configured to receive a subscription request to an event associated with the SMF node where the subscription request includes at least one of a packet detection rule, PDR, information and a Traffic Descriptor, and instruct a user plane function, UPF, node based at least on the subscription request.