Terminal Device Multi-Access Session Management via Segmented Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of means for establishing sessions and realizing various user data communication in mobile communication services for terminals supporting multiple access networks, particularly in NextGen systems.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device and communication method that enables simultaneous connection to multiple access networks, allowing for various user data communication through PDU sessions, which include IP and non-IP communication, and are managed by a core network capable of accommodating terminals with diverse access networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a terminal supports multiple access networks for intermittent mobile communication services, then communication flexibility and service continuity are improved, but session management complexity and system architecture complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments session management into two independent parts: PDU session management (handled by SMF) and QoS flow management (handled by PCF and RF). This segmentation allows each component to focus on specific tasks, reducing overall management complexity while supporting multiple access networks simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the PCF (Policy Control Function) as an intermediary between the SMF and the terminal. The PCF receives QoS requirements from applications and translates them into standardized QoS parameters, mediating between diverse access network requirements and unified session management, thereby reducing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various user data communication means are implemented across multiple access networks, then communication capability and service diversity are improved, but control plane signaling complexity and routing management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal QoS parameters and PDU session structures that work across multiple access networks (3GPP and non-3GPP). The SMF manages PDU sessions in a access-agnostic manner, while the PCF provides universal policy control, allowing the same session management framework to serve diverse communication requirements without increasing signaling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms diverse QoS requirements from different access networks into standardized QoS parameters (5QI, ARP, GFBR, MFBR). This parameter transformation allows the control plane to handle various user data communication means using a unified parameter set, reducing signaling complexity while maintaining communication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simultaneous connection to multiple access networks is enabled, then network flexibility and service continuity are improved, but network architecture complexity and session establishment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary QoS parameter configuration through the PCF before actual data transmission begins. The PCF pre-establishes QoS rules and policies based on application requirements, so that when PDU sessions are established across multiple access networks, the complex QoS parameters are already configured, reducing session establishment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The SMF autonomously manages PDU session establishment and QoS parameter allocation without requiring complex coordination between multiple access networks. The system enables itself to handle multi-access sessions through automated SMF-PCF interaction, reducing the perceived complexity for network operators while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a communication control means for establishing a session suitable for a terminal apparatus connecting to multiple access networks of various kinds and a network apparatus, a user data communication control means suitable for a terminal apparatus that has established sessions via multiple access networks and a network apparatus, and the like. This provides a communication control means suitable for a terminal apparatus and a network apparatus that support connection to multiple access networks of various kinds.