UPF Multi-LAN Routing for Single Charging and Server Health Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP specifications are silent on how to handle multiple N6 or SGi LANs for user traffic, leading to potential double charging, inadequate load balancing, and lack of health checks for servers, which are crucial for efficient network management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with a UPF configured for traffic routing and handling using Virtual LAN (VLAN) IDs and Media Access Control (MAC) addresses to manage sessions across multiple N6 or SGi LANs, ensuring single charging, load balancing, and health checks using BFD protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple N6 or SGi LANs are implemented for user traffic handling, then service versatility and load balancing capability are improved, but charging accuracy deteriorates due to potential double charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging function by introducing a charging identifier (CI) that uniquely identifies each user traffic session. This CI is inserted into packets at the UPF and used by the PCF to track and charge each session individually, preventing double charging while supporting multiple N6/SGi LANs for different services
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary charging identifier mechanism that mediates between the UPF (user plane function) and PCF (policy control function). This CI acts as a bridge to correlate traffic across multiple LAN interfaces, enabling accurate charging attribution without requiring complex inter-face communication
2Productivity
If multiple N6 or SGi LANs are configured for traffic routing, then load balancing capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple interfaces and routing rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the UPF multi-functional by enabling it to handle multiple N6/SGi LAN interfaces and apply service-based routing rules dynamically. The same UPF infrastructure serves multiple purposes: basic packet forwarding, service-specific routing, load balancing across servers, and charging identification, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems
3Productivity
If service-specific routing is implemented across multiple LANs, then traffic handling efficiency is improved, but health check capability deteriorates due to lack of server availability monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the UPF monitors server health status and provides this information back to the PCF. The PCF uses this health status feedback to dynamically adjust routing decisions, redirecting traffic away from unhealthy servers while maintaining efficient service-specific routing paths
Data Source
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AI summary
Treatment of user traffic with multiple LAN Services and Single Charging. A network configuration for multiple N6/SGi LANs that are used to treat a given UE traffic. A system is configured for traffic routing and handling when a given session is to be treated by services offered in multiple N6-LANs. Load balancing for user traffic to different available servers if configured on N6 interface is provided. A health check mechanism of the available servers on the N6 interface is provided.