UPF Selection Using Stored DNAI Lists to Cut Signaling Latency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks, the selection of a User Plane Function (UPF) for low latency and efficient service delivery is hindered by the unavailability of Data Network Access Identifiers (DNAIs) when needed, as per current standards like 3GPP TS23.502, leading to potential signaling latency issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving network nodes that receive and store DNAI lists, allowing selection of UPFs like I-UPF, V-UPF, or PSA based on these lists, and optionally updating them, to reduce signaling latency by ensuring timely UPF selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If UPF selection is performed based on current standards (3GPP TS23.502) where DNAI list is obtained during session establishment, then the selection process follows standard procedures, but signaling latency increases and UPF selection is delayed when DNAI is not immediately available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network node store the DNAI list in advance before it is strictly needed for UPF selection. The DNAI list is obtained and stored during initial configuration or earlier signaling exchanges, so that when UPF selection is required, the data is already available, eliminating the need for additional signaling latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the UPF selection process into distinct phases: (1) obtaining and storing the DNAI list in advance, (2) using the stored DNAI list for UPF selection when needed. This segmentation allows the data acquisition and data usage to be separated in time, reducing signaling latency during the critical selection moment.
2Reliability
If the network node waits for DNAI to become available before selecting UPF, then accurate UPF selection can be made, but service delivery is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs preliminary action by obtaining and storing the DNAI list before UPF selection is required. This ensures that when selection time arrives, the accurate data is already available, maintaining selection accuracy while eliminating waiting delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The stored DNAI list acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between data availability and selection requirements. Instead of direct real-time querying during selection, the pre-stored list serves as the intermediary data source, enabling both accuracy and speed.
3Loss of information
If additional signaling procedures are implemented to ensure DNAI availability, then UPF selection can be made with complete information, but signaling overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for additional signaling procedures by performing the DNAI acquisition in advance and storing it locally. This preliminary action ensures complete information availability without requiring extra signaling exchanges during the UPF selection process, thus avoiding additional latency.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and an apparatus for a local protocol data unit session anchor (PSA) selection. A method (300) performed by a first network node comprises: receiving (S302) from a second network node, a first list of data network access identifier, DNAI; and selecting (S304) a user plane function, UPF, based at least on the first list of DNAI. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, by receiving a first list of DNAI, a first network node may select UPF in time when needed. Therefore, the problem that the DNAI might not be available when the network node needs to select a UPF at some time point will be avoided.