Static IP Address Service Across Multiple SMFs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining a static IP address for user equipment devices across different sessions due to dynamic IP address assignment by different Session Management Functions (SMFs), which hinders application servers from identifying UE devices based on consistent IP addresses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a static IP address service through a Unified Data Management (UDM) device to authorize and manage a consistent IP address for UE devices, utilizing a Network Repository Function (NRF) to store SMF-IP address associations, and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to ensure the same IP address is assigned across sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic IP address assignment is used by different Session Management Functions (SMFs), then network flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but IP address consistency across sessions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an IP address management entity as an intermediary between UE devices and multiple SMFs. This mediator maintains a mapping between UE device identifiers and IP addresses, and between SMF identifiers and IP address ranges. When a UE connects through different SMFs, the intermediary ensures the same IP address is assigned by directing the request to the appropriate SMF that manages the previously assigned IP range, thus maintaining IP consistency while allowing network flexibility.
2Reliability
If multiple Session Management Functions (SMFs) are deployed, then system reliability and load distribution are improved, but IP address management complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IP address management function from the SMF functions. Each SMF is assigned specific IP address ranges to manage, and an IP address management entity maintains the segmentation mapping between SMFs and IP ranges. This segmentation allows multiple SMFs to operate independently for reliability and load distribution, while the centralized IP management entity handles the complexity of coordinating IP assignments across all SMFs.
3Measurement precision
If static IP address service is implemented across different access points, then device identification capability is improved, but network configuration complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal IP address management mechanism that works across different access points and network configurations. The IP address management entity provides a unified interface for maintaining IP address assignments regardless of which SMF or access point the UE connects to. This multi-functional approach enables consistent device identification through IP addresses while abstracting away the underlying network configuration complexity from individual access points and SMFs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a device configured to receive a registration request from a Session Management Function (SMF) associated with an Internet Protocol (IP) address range or an IP index and store information associating the SMF with the IP address range or the IP index. The device may be further configured to receive, from a network function (NF), a query for a particular SMF associated with the IP address or the IP index; identify the SMF associated with the IP address or the IP index as the particular SMF; and provide, to the NF, information identifying the SMF based on the received query.