SMF Network Element Forwarding Path for TSN Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Ethernet networks face issues with high forwarding latency and packet loss when handling large data packets, which hinders their ability to provide reliable and guaranteed transmission latency, making them unsuitable for applications like vehicle control and the Industrial Internet.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and apparatus that utilize a session management function (SMF) network element to establish a forwarding path between an access network element (AN) and a data network (DN) through the user plane function (UPF) network element by obtaining and sending specific information to determine the forwarding rules for data streams, ensuring reliable-latency transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Ethernet network forwarding is used, then the network can handle basic data transmission, but when large quantity of data packets arrive at a forwarding port in an instant, forwarding latency increases and packet loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data stream processing by introducing TSN flow identifiers to distinguish different data streams. The UPF network element processes each TSN flow independently through separate forwarding paths, avoiding the bottleneck of handling all packets through a single conventional Ethernet forwarding mechanism. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple data streams, reducing overall forwarding latency and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing forwarding paths for different TSN flows before data transmission begins. The SMF network element configures the UPF with forwarding rules that map TSN flow identifiers to specific forwarding paths in advance. When data packets arrive, the UPF can immediately forward them along the pre-configured paths without performing complex real-time routing decisions, thereby reducing forwarding latency and preventing packet loss.
2Reliability
If conventional Ethernet network is used, then basic connectivity is provided, but it cannot provide service with high reliability and guaranteed transmission latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the SMF (Session Management Function) network element as an intermediary between the AN and UPF network elements. The SMF is responsible for establishing TSN flows, allocating TSN flow identifiers, and configuring forwarding rules on the UPF. This intermediary manages the complexity of TSN flow management centrally, allowing the AN and UPF to focus on their respective forwarding functions while maintaining high reliability and guaranteed latency through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the network architecture by introducing TSN flow identifiers as an additional layer of abstraction above conventional Ethernet addressing. This new dimension enables the network to differentiate and manage multiple data streams independently, providing guaranteed transmission latency and high reliability without fundamentally altering the underlying Ethernet infrastructure. The TSN flow identifier dimension allows for sophisticated traffic management while maintaining compatibility with existing Ethernet hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent data streams are used between AN-UPF and UPF-DN, then each stream can be managed separately, but the UPF cannot match corresponding data streams to establish a forwarding path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the SMF receives information about data streams from both the AN and DN sides, correlates them using TSN flow identifiers, and adjusts the UPF forwarding rules accordingly. The SMF acts as a central coordinator that receives feedback about stream characteristics, matches corresponding streams across the UPF, and configures appropriate forwarding paths. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain independent data stream management while automatically establishing correct forwarding paths without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a session management function (SMF) network element obtains first information identifying a data stream, where the first information is used to instruct a transmit end to send a user stream using the data stream and to instruct a receive end to receive the user stream using the data stream; and the receive end is an access network element, and the transmit end is a user plane function network element, or vice versa; the SMF network element sends the first information to the user plane function network element and/or the access network element; the SMF network element obtains second information, where the second information is used to indicate a forwarding rule of transmitting the user stream by the user plane function network element on a data network side; and the SMF network element sends the second information to the user plane function network element.