UPF Service Continuity Policy During SMF Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a 5G network, the forced session release by the UPF network element due to communication disconnection with the SMF network element causes service discontinuity, which is not suitable for applications requiring high service continuity.
Innovation Solution
A communication method where the user plane network element receives a policy from the control plane to maintain service continuity upon disconnection, allowing it to continue operating based on predefined policies, such as duration, traffic thresholds, or until reconnection is established.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UPF network element forcibly releases the session when disconnected from the SMF network element, then the communication reliability is improved, but the service continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the UPF network element with a timer before disconnection occurs. When the N4 interface is disconnected, the timer provides a grace period during which the UPF can continue forwarding packets without immediate session release. This preliminary timing mechanism allows service continuity to be maintained for a configured duration even when communication reliability is compromised, resolving the contradiction by delaying the harmful effect rather than eliminating it immediately.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the UPF network element maintains service continuity when disconnected from the control plane, then the service continuity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a configurable timer parameter that controls the duration of service continuity maintenance. Instead of implementing complex decision-making logic, the UPF network element simply uses this time parameter to determine whether to continue forwarding packets after disconnection. If the disconnection duration exceeds the timer value, the session is released; otherwise, service continuity is maintained. This parameter-based approach significantly reduces device complexity compared to implementing intelligent judgment and adaptive control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method and apparatus are provided that relate to the communications field. The method includes receiving, by a user plane network element from a control plane network element, information indicating a first policy for maintaining, when the user plane is disconnected from the control plane, continuity of a service of the user plane; and running, by the user plane network element, the service according to the first policy. In this way, the user plane network element may, when the user plane is disconnected from the control plane, maintain the continuity of the service of the user plane network element, to avoid service disconnection and meet an application scenario having a high requirement on service continuity.