SMF Paging via PDU Session ID for 5G MBS

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing 5G MBS system architecture faces complexities in handling one request resulting in multiple responses and increased complexity in AMF processing due to group paging, leading to inefficiencies in managing multicast and broadcast services.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating the PDU Session ID in the MBS session notification request sent by the SMF to the AMF ensures that service requests from idle UEs can be handled similarly to normal network-initiated requests, simplifying the paging process and reducing response complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If group paging mechanism is introduced for MBS session activation, then all UEs joining an MBS session can be paged together using TMGI, but the AMF sends one request to NG-RAN for all UEs resulting in multiple responses and increased processing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroup paging capabilityVSAvoidAMF processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the group paging process by introducing individual PDU Session IDs for each UE within the MBS session. Instead of handling all UEs as a single group, the AMF processes each UE's paging request separately with its own PDU Session ID, thereby reducing the complexity of managing multiple responses while maintaining group paging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If one MBS session notification request is sent to page multiple idle UEs, then paging efficiency is improved, but the AMF must handle multiple service requests from different UEs resulting in increased response complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging efficiencyVSAvoidresponse handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the PDU Session ID as an intermediary identifier that links each idle UE to its specific MBS session. When the AMF receives service requests from multiple UEs, it uses their respective PDU Session IDs to correctly route and handle each request, simplifying the response handling process while maintaining efficient group paging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If new mechanisms are introduced to handle MBS session activation, then group paging functionality is achieved, but the complexity of AMF and SMF handling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMBS session management capabilityVSAvoidAMF and SMF handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the PDU Session ID a universal identifier that serves multiple functions: it identifies the UE, links to the MBS session, and enables proper routing of service requests. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms to handle MBS session activation, as the existing PDU Session ID infrastructure is leveraged to achieve group paging with minimal additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4371323B1Method and apparatus for multicast/broadcast service
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4371323B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4371323B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4371323B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods (300, 400) and apparatuses for multicast/broadcast service (MBS). A method(300) performed by at a session management function (SMF) comprises receiving a session activation notification comprising a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI) from a multicast/broadcast session management function (MB-SMF)(302). The method(300) further comprises finding at least one user equipment (UE) that joined a multicast/broadcast service (MBS) session identified by the TMGI(304). The method(300) further comprises sending a MBS session notification request to an access and mobility function (AMF), wherein the MBS session notification request includes a list of the at least one UE, respective identifier of respective protocol data unit (PDU) session associated to the MBS session of the at least one UE and the TMGI(306).