UPF Selection for Roaming via Control Plane Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inter Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) roaming presents challenges in determining the best location for User Plane Function (UPF) entities, particularly when user equipment frequently hops between different operator networks, as existing methods conflict with home PLMN node selection rules and result in suboptimal user plane traffic handling.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a control plane entity in the mobile core network selects an optimal user plane entity based on user equipment-related parameters, using a Domain Name System (DNS) query and predictive analysis to ensure topological proximity and adherence to roaming policies, thereby optimizing UPF selection during seamless roaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PGW-U is selected based on home PLMN node selection rules, then the selection follows standardized procedures, but the PGW-U may not be topologically close to the peering point resulting in suboptimal traffic handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the control plane entity (PGW-C) pre-select an optimal user plane entity (PGW-U) based on user equipment parameters before traffic routing. This pre-selection process considers factors like user location and network topology to ensure the PGW-U is topologically close to the peering point, thereby optimizing traffic handling while maintaining standardized procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane entity (PGW-C) acts as an intermediary between the home PLMN node selection rules and the actual PGW-U selection. It receives the create session request, applies selection criteria based on user equipment parameters, and determines the optimal PGW-U that satisfies both standardized procedures and topological proximity requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If DNS returns all available PGW identifiers including remote data center PGWs, then complete PGW options are provided, but the selected PGW may be far from the user resulting in poor service quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by having the control plane entity select a PGW-U that is locally optimal for the specific user equipment and roaming scenario. Instead of treating all PGWs equally, the selection process considers local factors such as user location, network topology, and peering point proximity to determine the most suitable PGW-U, thereby improving roaming service quality without significantly increasing session establishment time
3Productivity
If the PGW-U is selected without considering user equipment parameters, then the selection process is simple, but the user plane traffic routing is suboptimal when users frequently hop between networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of user equipment parameters during the session establishment phase. The control plane entity examines parameters such as user location, mobility patterns, and network topology before selecting the PGW-U. This preliminary action ensures that the selected PGW-U is optimal for handling user plane traffic, especially for users who frequently hop between networks, while the complexity is managed through automated decision-making processes
Data Source
AI summary
A solution for selecting an optimal user Plane entity (with Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS)) per UE during seamless roaming. In one embodiment, a method is provide that is performed by a control plane entity in a mobile core network that supports inter public land mobile network (PLMN) roaming among two or more PLMNs. The method includes obtaining a create session request from an entity in a second PLMN to which a user equipment has roamed from a first PLMN; selecting a particular user plane entity among a plurality of user plane entities based on one or more user equipment related parameters; and establishing a session with the particular user plane entity to serve user plane traffic in the mobile core network for the user equipment.