Dynamic UPF and CU-UP Node Selection for 5G Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In advanced wireless radio networks like 5G, existing technologies face challenges in minimizing latency by optimally routing traffic paths, especially when network components are geographically distant, which can introduce delays and affect service quality for applications with varying latency requirements.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically selects and inserts network nodes based on their geographical locations to reroute traffic, specifically choosing User Plane Function (UPF) and Central Unit-User Plane (CU-UP) nodes that are proximal to the User Equipment (UE) and Distributed Units (DUs), thereby minimizing latency by configuring the data path to reduce physical distance and optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network traffic is routed through geographically distant network components, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but latency increases and service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-based routing that directs traffic through network components (UPF, CU-UP) geographically proximal to the UE. The system determines the UE's location and selects nearby network components to handle traffic, ensuring that local traffic is processed locally rather than being routed through distant components. This resolves the contradiction by making the network quality adaptive to location, improving both coverage and reducing latency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary location determination and network component selection before traffic routing decisions are made. By pre-establishing the geographic locations of network components and the UE, the system can proactively route traffic through optimal paths before latency issues arise. This advance planning enables the network to maintain low latency while providing broad coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network components are geographically distributed to improve coverage, then network versatility is enhanced, but traffic path optimization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors UE location and network component status, then dynamically adjusts traffic routing decisions. The location determination module provides real-time location information, and the network component selection module uses this feedback to optimize routing. This closed-loop feedback system simplifies traffic path management by automating the selection process based on current network conditions and location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables network components to self-select based on their geographic locations and current load conditions. Each network component (UPF, CU-UP) maintains location information and can be autonomously selected by the routing module without requiring complex centralized control for every routing decision. This self-service approach reduces the overall complexity of traffic path management while maintaining optimal routing across geographically distributed components.
Data Source
AI summary
A first component may receive a message from a anchor selection component in a network. The message may include information that identifies a session anchor in the network and indicates a location of the session anchor. The first component may identify a managing component in the network based on the information and signal the managing component. The signaling may cause the managing component to be configured to forward data, from a mobile terminal attached to the network over a wireless link, to the session anchor.