SRv6 Encapsulation for 5G UE Location Indication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently communicating User Equipment (UE) location information and optimizing application delivery based on this information, particularly due to restrictions in sharing location or application data, which affects latency and mobility management.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves encapsulating UE location information, such as Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) or Presence Reporting Area (PRA) ID, in SRv6 packet headers for packets transmitted to the Application Function (AF), allowing the AF to optimize application delivery by re-provisioning from local servers closer to the UE, and using latency measurements to infer UE locations when direct reporting is restricted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UE location information is shared with Application Function (AF) entities, then application delivery optimization is improved, but network security and privacy protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments location information into different types (cell-based location vs. precise geographic location) and shares only the necessary segment (cell identifier) with AF entities, while keeping detailed location information restricted. This allows application delivery optimization based on general location without compromising privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the User Plane Function (UPF) entity acts as a mediator between the radio access network and AF entities. The UPF encapsulates location metadata in SRv6 packet headers, enabling indirect information sharing that maintains security boundaries while facilitating optimized application delivery.
2Reliability
If UE location information is restricted from being shared, then network security and privacy protection are improved, but application delivery optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by sharing only the portion of location information that is necessary for application delivery optimization (cell-based location) while restricting access to more sensitive detailed location data. This partial information sharing maintains security while enabling sufficient optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of location information granularity, transforming detailed geographic location into coarser cell-based location identifiers for sharing with AF entities. This parameter transformation enables optimization while maintaining security boundaries.
3Loss of information
If traditional location reporting methods are used, then location information can be obtained, but traffic latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-encapsulating location metadata in SRv6 packet headers at the User Plane Function before packets reach the Application Function. This eliminates the need for separate location reporting procedures, reducing latency while ensuring location information is immediately available for optimization decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges location information reporting with the existing data traffic flow by encapsulating location metadata directly in the SRv6 packet headers that carry user data. This combination eliminates separate reporting overhead and reduces latency while maintaining location information availability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosed technology provide ways to report User Equipment (UE) device locations in a 5G network for the purpose of redirecting application traffic from proximately located Data Networks (DNs). In one aspect, the disclosed technology encompasses a process for conveying User Equipment (UE) information to an Application Function (AF), the process includes steps for receiving, at an intermediate-User Plane Function (I-UPF) entity, User Equipment (UE) uplink data from a Radio Access Network (RAN), determining if sharing of location information or application information associated with the UE is restricted, and encapsulating first location metadata or application metadata in an SRv6 packet if the sharing of location information or application information is not restricted. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.