UE Policy Update Coordination for 5G-to-EPS Network Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the 5G mobile communication system, when a user equipment (UE) moves from a 5G system to an evolved packet system (EPS) supporting EPS/5GS interworking, the 5G core network fails to provide updated UE policies, leading to communication instability and resource wastage due to incorrect network access.
Innovation Solution
A network entity comprising a transceiver and controller is configured to transmit and receive messages for updating UE policies across different network entities, ensuring seamless policy transfer from the 5G core network to the UE through EPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UE moves from 5G system to EPS supporting interworking, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but UE policy update fails and communication stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a policy association between the SMF and UE-PCF before the UE switches from 5G to EPS. The SMF proactively requests to establish this association and receives confirmation from the UE-PCF, ensuring that the UE policy update mechanism is already in place before the network switch occurs. This prevents policy update failure during the transition.
2Device complexity
If UE policy is not updated after network switch, then network transition is simplified, but resource wastage increases due to incorrect network access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the UE-PCF send a confirmation message to the SMF after receiving the UE policy update request. This feedback mechanism ensures that the policy association is successfully established and that the UE will receive the updated policy. The feedback loop prevents resource wastage by ensuring policies are correctly updated before network switch, avoiding incorrect network access.
3Reliability
If UE policy update mechanism is established before network switch, then communication stability is improved, but network entity complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by having the SMF perform multiple functions: it manages 5G session management, initiates UE policy update requests, establishes policy associations with UE-PCF, and coordinates the transition to EPS. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into existing network entities rather than adding separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A network entity, which performs a session management function and a packet data network gateway-control (PGW-C) function in a wireless communication system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises: a transceiver; and at least one controller that controls the transceiver, wherein the at least one controller may be configured to: transmit, to a session management-policy control function (SM-PCF), a first message for requesting an update on a UE policy; receive, from the SM-PCF, a second message including information regarding changed UE policy; and transmit, to a serving gateway (SGW), a third message including information regarding the received changed UE policy.