SMF Selection via DNAI Support in 5G Mobility Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G systems, the existing methods for selecting a session management network element (SMF) often fail to choose a proper SMF that supports all or part of the required data network access identifiers (DNAIs), leading to network delays and inefficient route selection when a terminal device changes access locations.

Innovation Solution

A method where the mobility management network element determines the appropriate SMF by obtaining and analyzing DNAI information, selecting an SMF that supports all or part of the required DNAIs, thereby ensuring the user plane network element also supports these DNAIs, reducing network delays and alternative routes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the session management network element is reselected based only on location information, then the terminal device can be quickly reassigned to a new location, but the selected SMF may not support the required DNAIs leading to network delays and inefficient routing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesession management network element selection speedVSAvoidDNAI support reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobility management network element performs preliminary actions by obtaining DNAI information before finalizing the SMF selection. It determines the first DNAI corresponding to the first session and uses this information to select an SMF that supports the required DNAIs, ensuring both speed and reliability in the selection process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobility management network element acts as an intermediary between the location-based selection mechanism and the DNAI support requirement. It mediates the selection process by considering both location information and DNAI support capabilities, ensuring the selected SMF can properly handle the session's data network access requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the session management network element is selected without considering DNAI information, then the selection process is simpler and faster, but the user plane network element may not support the required DNAIs causing increased network delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesession establishment efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobility management network element performs preliminary determination of the first DNAI before selecting the SMF. This preliminary action ensures that the SMF selection is based on complete information including both location and DNAI requirements, preventing network delay while maintaining efficient session establishment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the mobility management network element uses the determined first DNAI information to guide the SMF selection process. This feedback loop ensures that the selected SMF can support the required DNAIs, reducing network delay and improving overall productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the mobility management network element obtains and analyzes DNAI information before selecting SMF, then the network efficiency and route selection are optimized, but the selection process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroute selection accuracyVSAvoidSMF selection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SMF selection process is segmented into distinct steps: obtaining location information, determining the first DNAI, and selecting the SMF based on both criteria. This segmentation makes the complex process more manageable and systematic, improving route selection accuracy while maintaining clarity in the selection logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobility management network element performs multiple functions within the selection process: it obtains location information, determines DNAI requirements, and selects the appropriate SMF. This multi-functionality consolidates the selection process into a single coordinated operation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high route selection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12150205B2Method, apparatus, and system for selecting session management network element

Publication Date: 2024.11.19 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a system for selecting a session management network element, where the method includes: A mobility management network element determines a first DNAI corresponding to a first session of a terminal device. The mobility management network element selects, for the first session of the terminal device, a first session management network element that supports all or a part of DNAIs in the first DNAI. Based on this solution, the mobility management network element selects the session management network element for the terminal device. The session management network element supports all or a part of the DNAIs in the first DNAI. Therefore, a user plane network element selected by the session management network element also supports all or a part of the DNAIs in the first DNAI, such that a proper session management network element is selected for the terminal device.