UPF Flow Information Storage for Accurate Traffic Re-Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G network systems face issues during user plane function (UPF) re-selection, leading to incorrect traffic classification and charging, especially when user traffic is ongoing, and energy consumption is not optimized due to static configurations.
Innovation Solution
The PFCP protocol is extended to enable 'Flow Information Storage' capability, allowing UPFs to store and retrieve session-specific traffic classification data, ensuring accurate classification and charging even during re-selection, and optimizing energy use based on traffic load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UPF re-selection is performed during ongoing user traffic, then network mobility and load balancing are improved, but traffic classification accuracy deteriorates due to loss of session state information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing flow information (5-tuple, PDR ID, classification results) in a database before UPF re-selection occurs. When re-selection is triggered, the new UPF retrieves this pre-stored information, eliminating the need to re-classify traffic from scratch and maintaining classification accuracy during mobility events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the UPF and the session state information. This database stores flow information and acts as a mediator that allows the new UPF to retrieve classification data without direct communication with the old UPF, solving the information loss problem during re-selection.
2Device complexity
If static UPF configuration is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy consumption increases due to inability to adapt to traffic load variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the UPF to dynamically adapt its configuration based on stored flow information and traffic patterns. The system can adjust resource allocation, activate/deactivate UPF instances based on load, and modify classification rules dynamically, allowing energy optimization while maintaining operational simplicity through automated adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically retrieving stored flow information and adapting to traffic load variations without requiring manual reconfiguration. The UPF autonomously adjusts its behavior based on pre-stored classification data and current traffic conditions, reducing the need for complex external management while optimizing energy usage.
3Measurement precision
If flow information is stored for all sessions, then classification accuracy during re-selection is improved, but memory usage and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by storing flow information selectively rather than uniformly for all sessions. The system stores detailed flow information (5-tuple, PDR ID, classification results) only for active sessions or sessions requiring re-selection, allowing precise classification where needed while minimizing overall memory consumption through targeted storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting what flow information is stored based on session characteristics, traffic patterns, and re-selection likelihood. The system can modify storage parameters such as storing only essential 5-tuple information for some sessions versus complete flow profiles for others, optimizing the balance between classification accuracy and memory usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, UPF function/node, computer program, and computer program product to classify traffic of a user equipment, UE by a UPF is provided. A PFCP session establishment request comprising a session ID and a flow information profile is received. Responsive to the flow information profile indicating that flow information is to be stored for sessions by the UE, whether or not there is stored flow information for a session associated with the session ID is determined. UE application traffic is received, the UE application traffic including the session ID. Responsive to there being stored flow information for the session, the UE application traffic is classified based on the stored flow information. Responsive to there not being stored flow information for the session, the UE application traffic for a corresponding packet detection rule of the session; is classified and flow information for the session based on the classifying is stored.