UPF-MRF Mapping for VoNR Media Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next Generation Mobile Networks, such as 5G NR, face challenges in minimizing end-to-end latency during media transport for Voice over New Radio (VoNR) calls across different network architectures, as existing techniques are not optimized for routing media between call endpoints.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves mapping and selecting Media Resource Functions (MRFs) closest to User Plane Functions (UPFs) in the transport network, using a database to store these mappings, and incorporating UPF identifiers into Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages to route VoNR calls through the closest MRF for minimized latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If existing routing techniques are used for media transport in Next Generation Mobile Networks, then network architecture simplicity is maintained, but end-to-end latency during VoNR calls is not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping between UPFs and MRFs before actual media transport occurs. The database pre-stores the optimal MRF selections for each UPF, so when a VoNR call is established, the routing decision is already prepared and can be immediately applied, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and thus minimizing latency without adding operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary database that stores pre-computed mappings between UPFs and MRFs. This intermediary component decouples the complexity of routing optimization from the real-time call processing, allowing the network to benefit from optimized routing while the complexity is contained within the database layer rather than affecting the overall system architecture
2Productivity
If Media Resource Functions are selected without optimization, then system operation is simple, but media transport efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optimal MRF selections are determined and stored in advance in a database, mapping each UPF to its nearest MRF. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time optimization calculations during media transport, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving media transport efficiency through pre-optimized routing
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service routing by embedding the UPF identifier in SIP messages, which automatically triggers the routing function to query the database and select the appropriate MRF without requiring manual intervention or complex control logic, thus improving efficiency while keeping the operation simple
Data Source
AI summary
A network device receives a first message that includes an identifier (ID) of a first User Plane Function (UPF), serving a first device, in a wireless network, where the first message invites a second device to engage in a session with the first device and where the first UPF supports packet routing and forwarding within the wireless network. The network device extracts the ID of the first UPF from the first message and determines a closest media resource function (MRF) to the first UPF, where the MRF processes and routes media streams between devices. The network device assigns the determined MRF as an anchor, in a network path between the first device and the second device, for processing and routing of media streamed between the first device and the second device.