Multi-Instance UPF QoS Monitoring for Adaptive Processing Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G communication systems face challenges in effectively performing quality of service (QoS) monitoring across multiple UPF instances, limiting the ability to manage and optimize network resources efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a UPF node with multiple instances that includes a core controller to perform QoS monitoring, allowing direct communication with network function nodes through a service-based interface, and the ability to transfer processing between UPF instances based on monitoring results, using pre-stored resource and capability information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If QoS monitoring is performed across multiple UPF instances, then network resource management capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UPF node is segmented into multiple independent UPF instances (first UPF instance, second UPF instance), each capable of processing PDU sessions independently. This segmentation allows distributed QoS monitoring across instances while maintaining individual instance autonomy, resolving the complexity issue by breaking down the monolithic UPF into manageable units that can be monitored separately.
Solution Approach 2:
A service-based interface (Nupf interface) is introduced as an intermediary between UPF instances and network function nodes. This intermediary standardizes communication protocols and data exchange formats, enabling QoS monitoring across multiple instances without directly increasing system complexity. The interface acts as a mediator that manages the complexity of inter-instance communication.
2Reliability
If processing is transferred between UPF instances based on QoS monitoring results, then service continuity is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where QoS monitoring results from each UPF instance are continuously fed back to the control logic. When QoS parameters deteriorate or events occur, the feedback triggers automatic processing transfer decisions from the affected UPF instance to another instance. This feedback-driven approach ensures service continuity while keeping control complexity manageable through rule-based decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple UPF instances with identical or complementary capabilities before failures occur. When QoS degradation is detected, the system can immediately transfer processing to a pre-prepared standby instance, ensuring service continuity without complex real-time decision-making. The preliminary setup of redundant instances reduces the complexity of failure recovery control.
3Productivity
If direct communication interface is provided between UPF and network function nodes, then communication efficiency is improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service-based interface (Nupf interface) is designed as a universal communication mechanism that handles multiple functions: QoS monitoring data exchange, event notification, subscription management, and processing transfer coordination. By consolidating these diverse communication needs into a single multi-functional interface standard, the system improves communication efficiency across all UPF instances and network function nodes without proportionally increasing interface complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for performing quality of service (QoS) monitoring by a UPF node including a plurality of UPF instances according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise: receiving a subscription request for the plurality of UPF instances through a service-based interface from a network function node; performing the QoS monitoring for each of the plurality of UPF instances; and when an event occurs for at least one of the plurality of UPF instances according to a result of the QoS monitoring, transmitting a notification indicating that the event has occurred to the network function node through the service-based interface.