SMF UPF Migration Control for 5G MEC Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication systems, the migration of mobile edge computing resources without service interruption is challenging, particularly during handovers, as existing methods may lead to disconnection of services due to modifications in User Plane Function (UPF) addresses and changes in Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) nodes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves advanced notification and control mechanisms, including the use of Session Management Function (SMF) to manage UPF modifications, Application Function (AF) requests, and the insertion of intermediate UPFs (I-UPFs) to maintain continuous service during handovers, ensuring that data transmission is routed through available and configured UPFs to prevent service disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UPF address modification and MEC node changes are implemented during handovers, then network flexibility and resource optimization are improved, but service continuity and connection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The SMF sends advance notification to the AF about upcoming UPF modifications before they occur. This allows the AF to prepare and update its routing information in advance, ensuring that service continuity is maintained even as network resources are reconfigured during handovers
Solution Approach 2:
The SMF acts as an intermediary between the network infrastructure (UPF, MEC nodes) and the AF. It manages the complexity of UPF address modifications and MEC node changes, shielding the AF from these changes while maintaining service continuity through coordinated resource migration
2Productivity
If UPF modification is performed during handover, then resource optimization is improved, but data loss and service interruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SMF notifies the AF in advance about upcoming UPF modifications, allowing the AF to prepare data buffering and routing adjustments before the actual modification occurs. This preliminary action prevents data loss by ensuring smooth transition of data flows
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous data transmission during UPF modification by coordinating between the SMF, AF, and UPF. Data buffering and forwarding mechanisms ensure that the useful action of data transmission continues uninterrupted even as the underlying network resources are modified
3Adaptability or versatility
If MEC node migration is implemented, then network adaptability is improved, but service quality and connection stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The SMF provides advance notification to the AF about upcoming MEC node migrations, allowing the AF to prepare and update its service routing information before the migration occurs. This ensures connection stability is maintained during network adaptability improvements
Solution Approach 2:
The SMF mediates between the MEC node migration process and the AF, managing the transition smoothly by coordinating resource allocation and updating routing information, thereby maintaining connection stability while enabling network adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for supporting migration of mobile edge computing in a wireless communication system. A method, performed by a Session Management Function (SMF), of controlling a path between an Application function (AF) and a user equipment in a wireless communication system includes: receiving, from the AF, an AF request message including information indicating whether User Plane Function (UPF) modification is allowed; determining whether a modification of a UPF in the path between the AF and the user equipment is required; transmitting a notification including information associated with the modification of a UPF to the AF, based on a result of the determining whether the modification of the UPF is required; determining whether to wait for reception of a response message from the AF for a certain period of time, based on the information indicating whether UPF modification is allowed; and controlling a modification of the path between the AF and the user equipment, the path including the UPF, based on a result of the determining whether to wait.