SMF Processing Rules for UPF URI SNI Traffic Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic analysis and classification schemes in telecommunication networks, particularly in 5G core networks, lack the capability to differentiate user traffic at a detailed level, such as differentiating between various applications and services, which is essential for detailed reporting and charging purposes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a Session Management Function (SMF) obtaining and provisioning processing rules enabling Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and/or Server Name Indication (SNI) level processing with the User Plane Function (UPF), allowing for detailed classification and reporting of user traffic based on its sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple Packet Detection Rules (PDRs) are used to differentiate traffic for detailed reporting and charging, then traffic classification precision is improved, but User Plane Function performance deteriorates due to increased processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Processing Rules as an intermediary mechanism between the existing PDRs and the detailed traffic differentiation requirement. These processing rules, obtained from the PCF, enable URI and SNI level processing without requiring a proportional increase in PDRs, thus achieving detailed classification while maintaining UPF performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space for traffic differentiation from relying solely on multiple PDRs with different packet filters to using processing rules that operate at URI/SNI level. This parameter change allows detailed traffic differentiation with fewer rules, resolving the contradiction between classification precision and processing performance
2Productivity
If the number of Packet Detection Rules is reduced to improve User Plane Function performance, then processing efficiency is improved, but traffic differentiation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Processing rules serve as an intermediary layer that enables traffic differentiation capability without increasing the number of PDRs. These rules are applied after packet classification to provide URI and SNI level processing, maintaining both performance and differentiation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traffic processing function into two independent parts: packet classification using PDRs and traffic differentiation using processing rules. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling detailed differentiation with minimal impact on processing performance
3Device complexity
If default uplink and downlink Packet Detection Rules are used to classify most user traffic, then processing simplicity is maintained, but detailed traffic analysis capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Processing rules act as an intermediary that preserves traffic source differentiation information even when default PDRs are used for classification. These rules enable the extraction of URI and SNI information from traffic that would otherwise be classified as default traffic, preventing information loss while maintaining processing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary packet classification using simple default PDRs to maintain processing simplicity, then applies processing rules as a subsequent stage to extract detailed traffic source information. This preliminary action approach preserves both simplicity and detailed analysis capability
Data Source
AI summary
A method of and a Session Management Function, SMF, for provisioning processing rules for user traffic at a User Plane Function, UPF, in a core network of a telecommunication network are disclosed. The core network comprises an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF and a Policy Control Function, PCF. The SMF first transmits to the PCF a request for obtaining processing rules for user traffic; the SMF then receives from the PCF processing rules enabling at least one of a Uniform Resource Identifier, URI, level processing policy and a Server Name Indication, SNI, level processing policy for the user traffic and provision the received processing rules with the UPF. The UPF can then process user traffic based on the provisioned processing rules, differentiating the user traffic at the more detailed URI and/or SNI level.