Network Slicing UPF Gateway Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slicing technologies face challenges in efficiently differentiating between and managing multiple network slices, leading to difficulties in providing low latency and resource allocation for diverse traffic types, as well as computational interference when processing different types of traffic on the same CPU.
Innovation Solution
A network configuration that includes a User Plane Function (UPF) instance capable of serving multiple network slices, with enhanced signaling mechanisms through the Session Management Function (SMF) to identify and manage packet data sessions belonging to specific slices, and the deployment of multiple UPF gateway instances, each serving a single slice, to improve latency and resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single UPF instance serves multiple network slices, then resource utilization improves, but computational interference increases and latency performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UPF functionality by introducing multiple UPF gateway instances, each dedicated to serving a specific network slice. This segmentation isolates computational workloads by slice, preventing computational interference between different traffic types while maintaining efficient resource utilization through specialized handling of each slice's requirements.
2Device complexity
If a single UPF instance serves multiple network slices, then device complexity reduces, but difficulty in differentiating and managing multiple slices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring each UPF gateway instance with slice-specific parameters and characteristics. Each gateway instance is locally optimized for its designated network slice, enabling efficient differentiation and management through specialized configuration rather than requiring complex multi-slice support in a single instance.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple UPF gateway instances are deployed, then slice management precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing UPF gateway instances that can be replicated and configured for different slices using standardized interfaces and protocols. This multi-functionality approach allows precise slice management through standardized gateway instances rather than requiring highly specialized complex systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
Network slicing allows a network operator to divide up their network into different network slices. The operator can assign specific users or classes of users to 5 each slice. Network functions (NFs) comprising a network slice may be placed in different locations in a network (for example, nearer the network edge), may be configured or tuned for different traffic profiles, and/or may be implemented by different vendors from those in other slices. A network, configured to perform network slicing, receives information from a Session Management Function, SMF, relating to a 10 given packet data session belonging to a given network slice. Based on the information received from the SMF, the network signals to a UPF instance that the given packet data session belongs to the given network slice.