UDM Group Subscription Data for Consistent 5G Network Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G core network management systems lack the capability to enforce consistent network behavior for terminal devices belonging to 5G virtual network groups, particularly in access and mobility, session management, and policy control, leading to inconsistent behaviors among group members.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method and apparatus in the Unified Data Management (UDM) node to manage and transmit group-based subscription data, including identifiers and data for 5G virtual network groups, enabling network functions like AMF and SMF to enforce consistent group-based control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional network management is used without group-based parameters, then individual terminal device management is maintained, but consistent network behavior across group members cannot be enforced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network management into individual device-level parameters and group-level parameters. The UDM stores both individual subscription data and group subscription data separately, allowing the system to maintain individual device management while enforcing group-based consistent behavior through distinct group parameter structures (e.g., group identity, group session type, group DNN)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring group subscription data in the UDM before terminals join the network. The UDM stores group-level parameters (group identity, allowed session types, accessible DNNs) in advance, so that when a terminal requests service, the network can immediately enforce consistent group-based policies without real-time configuration delays
2Reliability
If group-based management parameters are added to the network, then consistent behavior enforcement is enabled, but information transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts group-specific parameters from individual device management flows. Instead of transmitting complete subscription data sets for each terminal, the system separates group-level parameters (stored in UDM) from individual parameters, transmitting only necessary individual parameters while referencing pre-stored group parameters, thereby reducing redundant information transmission
3Adaptability or versatility
If complete subscription data including group data is transmitted to all network functions, then full group control capability is provided, but data transmission volume and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different network functions to receive different types of subscription data based on their specific needs. The UDM determines which network function receives which data based on the function type (e.g., AMF receives access and mobility subscription data, SMF receives session management subscription data), ensuring each function gets only the relevant portion of group data rather than complete data sets
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatus and computer program products for group-based network management. A method implemented at a first network node in a wireless communication network comprises: receiving, from a second network node, a request for subscription data for a terminal device; and transmitting the subscription data to the second network node, wherein the subscription data comprises group data of at least one group to which the terminal device belongs.