5G Session Management Inactivity Notification via AMF Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems face challenges in implementing enhanced features and functionalities for network slicing, particularly in managing registration and connection states between user equipment (UE) and access and mobility management functions (AMF), which affects the overall efficiency and reliability of network operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of advanced network functions such as Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and Session Management Function (SMF) within the 5G core network, which includes functionalities like registration management, connection management, and quality of service (QoS) handling, to enhance network slicing capabilities and user plane functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the network sends frequent inactivity notifications to application servers, then the network can efficiently manage resources and detect inactive sessions, but it increases signaling overhead and network traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the AMF acts as a mediator between the UE and application servers. Instead of direct frequent communication, the AMF buffers inactivity detections and sends consolidated notifications to application servers, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining effective session management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic inactivity detection with configurable time thresholds. The network monitors UE activity at regular intervals and only triggers notifications when inactivity exceeds the threshold, converting continuous monitoring into periodic action to reduce signaling load while maintaining detection effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the network implements comprehensive inactivity detection and notification mechanisms, then session management reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inactivity detection functionality into modular components distributed across different network elements (AMF, application servers, UEs). Each component handles specific aspects of detection and notification, improving reliability through distributed architecture while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configurable parameters such as inactivity thresholds, notification intervals, and monitoring durations that can be adjusted based on service requirements. This allows the system to adapt reliability and complexity levels dynamically without redesigning the core architecture.
3Productivity
If application servers continuously monitor for inactive user sessions, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but network traffic and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary inactivity detection by the network before involving application servers. The AMF monitors UE activity and prepares session release actions in advance, only engaging application servers when actual inactivity is confirmed, thus reducing unnecessary network traffic and processing load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables application servers to subscribe to targeted notifications for specific UEs or services they manage, rather than continuously polling for inactive sessions. This self-service approach reduces network traffic by receiving only relevant updates while maintaining efficient resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A session management function (SMF) sends, to a user plane function (UPF), a session configuration message comprising a packet detection rule (PDR) for a group communication session, wherein the PDR comprises a multicast address mapped to a plurality of wireless devices associated with the group communication session, and a forwarding rule associated with the multicast address. The SMF receives, from the UPF, a notification of inactivity for the group communication session associated with the multicast address. The SMF sends, to the UPF and after receiving the notification of inactivity, a session modification request comprising a downlink tunnel configuration for the multicast data.