User Plane Function Packet Processing for 5G Core Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G wireless communication system faces challenges in processing user traffic efficiently to meet the high data throughput requirements, particularly in improving processing speed within the core network and wireless section to support advanced services like eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an apparatus and method for processing user traffic in a wireless communication system, which includes a core network with separated control and user plane functions, utilizing a User Plane Function (UPF) to perform packet processing tasks such as packet detection, QoS enforcement, usage reporting, and packet buffering, with support for multiple access networks and deep packet inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional packet processing methods are used in the core network, then device complexity is reduced, but processing speed and data throughput cannot meet 5G requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the core network into control plane functions and user plane functions, with the UPF dedicated to packet processing operations. This separation allows complex high-speed processing in the user plane while keeping control plane complexity manageable, directly resolving the contradiction between processing speed and device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple packet processing functions are consolidated in a single UPF, then device complexity is reduced, but processing capacity and flexibility for diverse 5G services decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The UPF is designed as a universal packet processing platform that can perform multiple functions including packet detection, QoS enforcement, usage reporting, and packet buffering. This multi-functional design enables a single device to handle diverse 5G service requirements while maintaining high productivity, resolving the contradiction between throughput and system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If deep packet inspection is implemented for accurate service identification, then measurement precision improves, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UPF performs packet detection and service identification using deep packet inspection during the initial packet arrival phase, before forwarding decisions are made. This preliminary action ensures accurate service identification without adding time to the critical forwarding path, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and processing time.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or pre-5G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate after a 4th generation (4G) communication system such as long-term evolution (LTE). An operating method of a device for a user plane function (UPF) in a core network of a wireless communication system may include receiving rule information for processing a packet from a device for a session management function (SMF), processing a packet including user traffic received from a first device based on the rule, and transmitting the processed packet to a second device. Herein, first device or the second device may be a different device which performs a function related to a user plane.