SMF and PMF Data Channel Setup in Local Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In local network scenarios, managing data channels between multiple network device entities in LTE and NR systems is challenging, as existing methods lack efficient mechanisms for address allocation and communication setup between user plane and session management entities.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a Session Management Function (SMF) to allocate address information and notify a Path Management Function (PMF) for establishing data channels, enabling effective communication by determining and notifying address information between user plane entities within a target group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a local network is laid out for effective and safe management in scenarios such as office, home, and factory, then communication control and security are improved, but managing data channels between multiple network device entities becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Session Management Function (SMF) entity as an intermediary to manage data channels between network device entities. The SMF allocates address information to user plane entities and coordinates communication within the local network group, simplifying the complexity of direct peer-to-peer channel management while maintaining reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the PMF entity notifies SMF entities about address information allocations and group membership changes. This feedback loop enables dynamic adaptation and coordination of data channels, ensuring reliable communication management in local network scenarios.
2Productivity
If address information is allocated and notified between SMF and PMF entities for establishing data channels, then communication setup efficiency is improved, but the system requires complex coordination between multiple functional entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management functions into distinct entities: SMF for session management and address allocation, and PMF for path management and notification. This segmentation allows each entity to specialize in specific tasks, improving communication setup efficiency while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The PMF entity serves multiple functions including receiving notifications from SMF, determining target group members, allocating address information, and notifying relevant SMF entities. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, managing system complexity while maintaining efficient coordination.
3Reliability
If existing methods like WO 2007/086680 or US 2018/115891 are used for group transmissions, then core network arbitration is established, but they lack efficient mechanisms for address allocation and communication setup between user plane and session management entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the SMF entity to autonomously allocate address information to user plane entities without requiring complex core network arbitration for each allocation. The SMF self-manages the address allocation process based on group membership information, simplifying operations while maintaining reliability through the established PMF notification mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a data channel establishing method and apparatus, and a network device, the method comprising: a first session management functional entity allocating first address information to a first user plane entity and informing a path management functional entity of the first address information and group information of a target group; and the first session management functional entity acquiring, from the path management functional entity, second address information of at least one second user plane entity in the target group, and informing the first user plane entity of the second address information of at least one second user plane entity in the target group.