UPF Direct Exposure for Time Sensitive Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in providing exposure services for time-sensitive communication, particularly due to the lack of direct exposure of event result information from the user plane function (UPF) to time-sensitive networking application functions (TSN AF) or time-sensitive communication time synchronization functions (TSCTSF) without passing through intermediate nodes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an apparatus and method that enable direct exposure of event result information from the UPF to TSN AF or TSCTSF through a service interface (Nupf) in a wireless communication system. This is achieved by regenerating and transmitting TSC management information and control information through a service-based interface (SBI) and an N4 interface, allowing the UPF/NW-TT to directly transmit event results to the target when corresponding events occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If event result information is transmitted through intermediate nodes (PCF, SMF) from UPF to TSN AF/TSCTSF, then service coverage and control are improved, but transmission latency increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the event result transmission path into two modes: indirect transmission through intermediate nodes (PCF, SMF) for controlled service coverage, and direct transmission from UPF to TSN AF/TSCTSF for low-latency requirements. This segmentation allows the system to choose the appropriate path based on service needs, resolving the contradiction between reliability and latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct exposure interface that bypasses intermediate nodes when direct transmission is required. This creates a dual-path architecture where intermediaries (PCF, SMF) remain available for controlled scenarios, but can be skipped when low latency is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between service coverage and transmission speed.
2Productivity
If direct exposure interface (Nupf) is introduced from UPF to TSN AF/TSCTSF, then transmission efficiency and latency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal architecture where the UPF can perform both indirect transmission (through PCF/SMF) and direct transmission (through Nupf interface) based on service requirements. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain existing complex pathways for controlled scenarios while adding direct pathways for efficient scenarios, without forcing all transmissions through the new interface, thus managing complexity while improving efficiency.
3Reliability
If UPF directly transmits event results to TSN AF/TSCTSF, then service reliability for time-sensitive communication is improved, but compatibility with existing SBA architecture becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic transmission architecture where the UPF can adaptively choose between indirect transmission (maintaining SBA compatibility) and direct transmission (improving reliability for time-sensitive services). This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain compatibility with existing SBA architecture while enabling direct transmission paths when service reliability is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for directly exposing, by user plane function/network side-time sensitive networking translator (UPF/NW-TT), event result information to time sensitive networking (TSN) or time sensitive communication time synchronization function (TSCTSF) through service interface (Nupf) in wireless communication system. A method of operating event processing for TSN or TSC includes: when policy control function (PCF) performs TSC event subscription, receiving TSC management and control information for direct reporting notification of event result from TSN-application function or TSCTSF and transmitting the TSC management and control information to session management function (SMF); regenerating the TSC management and control information and transmitting the regenerated TSC management and control information to UPF/NW-TT through N4 interface; and receiving the TSC management and control information from SMF, and when a corresponding event occurs, transmitting the TSC management information including the event result to a target in the control information through SBI.