UPF Latency Measurement Using Dummy Packets for 5G URLLC
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to measure latency between User Plane Function (UPF) and server, as well as between User Equipment (UE) and UPF, in 3GPP LTE and NR systems, to support ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC) and other 5G usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
UPF-to-server latency measurements are performed at the request of Application Function (AF) to facilitate accurate latency assessment and improve communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If latency measurement between UPF and server is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a latency measurement function as an intermediary component that mediates between the UPF and server. This function acts as a dedicated measurement entity that injects and processes test packets, separating the measurement mechanism from the core network elements. The measurement function includes a measurement packet generator, packet detector, and latency calculator that work together to precisely measure latency without requiring modifications to the UPF or server themselves, thus improving measurement precision while controlling system complexity.
2Reliability
If latency measurement functionality is added to the network, then reliability of URLLC is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latency measurement function operates autonomously by self-generating test packets, self-detecting their transmission and reception, and self-calculating latency values. The function automatically monitors its own operation status and generates measurement reports without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures reliable URLLC measurements while maintaining ease of operation, as the system configures and executes measurements automatically based on pre-defined parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
One disclosure of the present disclosure provides a method for a UPF to perform communication. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a specific rule from a session management function (SMF); determining to measure communication latency between the UPF and a specific application server (AS) on the basis of the specific rule; transmitting a dummy packet to the specific AS on the basis of the determination; receiving a response to the dummy packet from the specific AS; and measuring the communication latency between the UPF and the specific AS on the basis of the time of transmitting the dummy packet and the time of receiving the response to the dummy packet.