SMF PDU Session Identity Allocation for 5G Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation wireless communication systems, the allocation of unique PDU session identities is challenging due to the duplication of identities across multiple network slices for the same user equipment (UE), especially during handovers from legacy systems to 5G networks, which affects service continuity and resource management.
Innovation Solution
A method where the Session Management Function (SMF) node determines a PDU session identity by combining a network slice identity and an SMF identity, and allocates it during UE handovers, ensuring unique identification and precise control of PDU sessions across multiple network slices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a PDU session identity is allocated to a PDU session for each different network slice, then service differentiation and network slicing are supported, but a PDU session identity is duplicated between PDU sessions for the same user equipment (UE) which have been established in several network slices
Solution Approach 1:
The PDU session identity is segmented into multiple components: a network slice-specific portion and a UE-specific portion. This segmentation allows the same UE to have unique PDU session identities across different network slices while maintaining consistency within each slice, resolving the identity duplication problem while preserving network slicing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimension to the PDU session identity structure by incorporating network slice identifiers. Instead of using a single-dimensional identity space that causes collisions across slices, the system transitions to a multi-dimensional identity space where identities are unique both within and across network slices, eliminating duplication while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a PDU session identity is allocated independently in each network slice, then network slice autonomy is maintained, but service continuity is affected when UE handovers from legacy wireless communication system to next-generation wireless communication system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes preliminary mapping relationships between legacy PDN connection identities and new PDU session identities before handover occurs. This preliminary action enables seamless service continuity during handover from legacy to next-generation systems, as the mapping is already prepared and can be applied immediately without disrupting service while maintaining network slice autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an identity mapping mechanism that acts as an intermediary between legacy PDN connection identities and new PDU session identities. This intermediary layer preserves service continuity by translating identities across system boundaries while maintaining the autonomy of each network slice, allowing independent identity management without affecting handover continuity.
3Productivity
If multiple SMF nodes are deployed to manage different network slices, then network capacity and service diversity are improved, but PDU session identity management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal PDU session identity structure that can be applied across multiple SMF nodes and network slices. This universal structure includes standardized components that work consistently regardless of which SMF node is managing the session, reducing management complexity while enabling multiple SMF nodes to operate efficiently with improved network capacity and service diversity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for determining a PDU session identity in a wireless communication system. A method for determining, by a session management function (SMF) node, a packet data network (PDU) session identity during handover of user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, may include receiving a request message for requesting the establishment of a PDU session for the UE from an access and mobility management function (AMF) node, wherein a handover for the UE from a first wireless communication system to a second wireless communication system has been determined, determining a PDU session identity for the PDU session established for the UE when the request message is received, and sending a response message including the determined PDU session identity to the AMF node in response to the request message.