5G SMF Session Context Storage Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Session Management Function (SMF) in 5G core networks faces challenges in efficiently managing resources, particularly in supporting a large number of subscribers with varying mobility, bandwidth, and data utilization patterns, leading to potential bottlenecks in cache memory capacity and latency issues.

Innovation Solution

Implementing cache efficiency logic that dynamically determines whether to maintain session context information in cache memory or offload it to a separate session context database based on activity patterns, such as handovers, bandwidth usage, and slice distribution, using criteria like low mobility and high data bursts, and employing AI/ML to optimize these decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the SMF maintains all session context information in cache memory to ensure fast access and low latency, then response time is improved, but cache memory capacity is exceeded and cannot support a large number of subscribers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidcache memory capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments session context information into two storage locations: cache memory for frequently accessed sessions and a separate database for less frequently accessed sessions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain fast access for critical sessions while storing additional sessions in the database, thereby supporting a larger total number of subscribers without exceeding cache capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different storage qualities to different session contexts based on their access patterns. Sessions with high access frequency are stored in cache memory with fast read/write characteristics, while sessions with low access frequency are stored in the database. This local quality differentiation optimizes the balance between response time and storage capacity utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the SMF stores all session context information in cache memory to ensure fast access, then latency is reduced, but the system cannot handle a large number of subscribers with varying mobility patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesession management reliabilityVSAvoidsupport capacity for varying subscriber patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic session context management where the system continuously monitors session activity patterns and adjusts storage location accordingly. Sessions are dynamically moved between cache and database based on their access patterns, allowing the system to adapt to varying subscriber mobility patterns and maintain reliability under diverse conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from session activity monitoring to adjust storage decisions. By analyzing session access patterns and mobility behavior, the system feedback-adjusts which sessions to keep in cache versus move to database, enabling it to handle a large number of subscribers with varying patterns while maintaining reliable session management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the SMF uses AI/ML to dynamically determine session storage location, then resource usage is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource usage efficiencyVSAvoidSMF system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through AI/ML models that automatically analyze session patterns and make storage decisions without manual intervention. The system self-adjusts session context placement based on learned patterns, optimizing resource usage efficiency while containing complexity within automated components rather than requiring complex manual management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240364787A1Session management function operations

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A method to operate a core network element, such as a Session Management Function (SMF) of a 5G core architecture. The method includes establishing a session between a user equipment and a core network element, determining, on the core network element, an activity pattern for the session, and based on the activity pattern, one of maintaining context information for the session in cache memory of the core network element and off-loading the context information for the session from the cache memory of the core network element to a database that is different from the cache memory.