UPF Multicast PDR Matching for Low-Signaling Packet Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current packet processing mechanism in user plane function (UPF) network elements for multicast communication is inefficient, as it allows only one packet detection rule (PDR) per session, requiring complex updates when terminal device members change, leading to high signaling overheads and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method where multicast packets can match multiple PDRs, allowing forwarding to multiple terminal devices without excessive signaling interactions, by implementing a mechanism that allows packet duplication or skipping based on sender information and PDR priorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multicast packet matches only one PDR in one session, then the packet processing mechanism is simple, but the forwarding efficiency is low and signaling overhead is high when terminal device members change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multicast forwarding mechanism by allowing a multicast packet to match multiple PDRs within a session. Instead of a single PDR limiting the packet to one forwarding path, multiple PDRs enable the packet to be duplicated and forwarded along multiple paths simultaneously, improving forwarding efficiency without requiring complex session management updates when terminal members change
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the PDR matching mechanism universal by enabling a single multicast packet to satisfy multiple PDR conditions within the same session. This multi-functionality allows the packet processing mechanism to handle both single-path and multi-path forwarding scenarios without requiring separate mechanisms or frequent updates, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity
2Reliability
If indication information in FAR is updated when terminal device members change, then the forwarding accuracy is maintained, but the signaling interaction procedure and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple PDRs within a session that can match multicast packets. This allows the system to anticipate multiple forwarding paths in advance, eliminating the need for real-time updates when terminal members change. The forwarding accuracy is maintained through the pre-established PDR matching rules, while signaling overhead is reduced by avoiding frequent update interactions
3Productivity
If multiple PDRs are matched for a multicast packet, then the forwarding efficiency is improved, but the packet processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing the PDR matching process to adaptively determine the number of matches within a session. The system dynamically evaluates multicast packets against multiple PDRs and executes forwarding actions based on the matching results, enabling efficient multi-path forwarding while maintaining manageable complexity through flexible, context-dependent processing
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a multicast communication method that includes: receiving, by a user plane function network element, a multicast packet, where the multicast packet includes a multicast address; matching, by the user plane function network element, the multicast packet with a packet detection rule PDR on the user plane function network element; and if the multicast packet successfully matches a first PDR, and the first PDR indicates to carry on matching another PDR, carrying on, by the user plane function network element, matching the multicast packet with another PDR. Optionally, the another PDR is a PDR whose priority is not higher than that of the first PDR.