UPF Response Handling for Per-User Application Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile network solutions require static configurations in the UPF for responding to user plane requests, which are not adaptable on a per user or application basis, leading to slow setup and modification.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic configuration method for responding actions in the UPF, enabling support for new types of enforcement actions, such as DNS, HTTP, TCP, and TLS, allowing for per-user and per-application triggering of responses, with specific message modifications based on network protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static configuration is used in UPF for responding to user plane requests, then the configuration is simple and stable, but it cannot be adapted dynamically on a per user or application basis, leading to slow setup and modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration by allowing the SMF to send PCC rules to the UPF that can be modified in real-time based on user or application requirements. The UPF receives and applies these rules dynamically without requiring static pre-configuration, enabling flexible adaptation to different users and applications while maintaining operational simplicity through automated rule provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic modification of configuration parameters by allowing the SMF to update PCC rules with changing parameters such as redirect server addresses, protocol-specific response information, and traffic filtering criteria. This allows the UPF configuration to adapt to different users and applications by changing parameters rather than restructuring the entire configuration.
2Productivity
If preconfiguration is used in UPF for responding actions, then the setup is straightforward, but it is slow to set up and modify for different users and applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the UPF with the capability to execute responding actions and by pre-establishing the PFCP session management framework. However, the specific PCC rules are provisioned dynamically by the SMF based on actual user or application needs, combining the benefits of prepared infrastructure with flexible, on-demand configuration to achieve fast setup without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the SMF monitors user or application requirements and dynamically updates PCC rules in the UPF accordingly. This closed-loop approach allows the system to adapt quickly to changing requirements by continuously provisioning and updating configuration rules based on actual traffic patterns and service requirements.
3Ease of operation
If static UPF configuration is used, then the system is simpler to manage, but it cannot be dynamically adapted on a per user or application basis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the SMF to automatically provision and update PCC rules in the UPF based on service requirements without manual intervention. The system manages its own configuration dynamically, with the SMF acting as an automated configuration manager that adjusts UPF rules in real-time based on user or application needs, maintaining ease of operation through automation while achieving dynamic adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed by a first user plane entity for responding to user plane requests transmitted from a second user plane entity. The method comprises transmitting from a policy control entity to a session management entity a policy rule including an indication to apply a responding action to the traffic of an application, selecting at the session management entity the user plane entity based on the support of the capability of responding to user plane requests, transmitting from the session management entity to the user plane entity a session establishment or modification request including an indication to apply a responding action to the traffic matching the application, and transmitting from the first user plane entity to the second user plane entity a response message according to the received indication to apply the responding action. The method may further comprise retrieving at the policy control entity from a user data repository the subscription data for the user, wherein the subscription data comprises an indication to apply a responding action to the traffic of the application.