Uplink Classifier Session Continuity via Forwarding Tunnels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G system architecture experiences session disruptions during user equipment (UE) mobility due to the relocation of intermediate user plane functions with uplink classifiers, leading to interruptions in ongoing sessions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a mechanism to establish and manage forwarding tunnels between source and target uplink classifiers, allowing seamless traffic redirection and maintaining session continuity by configuring packet filters and notifying application nodes of changes in data network access identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If intermediate user plane functions are relocated during UE mobility, then network resource optimization is improved, but session continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource optimizationVSAvoidsession continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a forwarding tunnel between the source uplink classifier and target uplink classifier before the actual session relocation is completed. The SMF pre-configures the target UPF with forwarding rules that will redirect traffic to the new uplink classifier, ensuring that the session continuity is maintained during the relocation process. This allows the network to optimize resources by relocating functions while preventing session disruptions through advance preparation of the forwarding path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If uplink classifier relocation is performed, then user plane efficiency is improved, but traffic interruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser plane efficiencyVSAvoidtraffic interruptions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a forwarding tunnel as an intermediary mechanism to bridge the source uplink classifier and target uplink classifier during relocation. This forwarding tunnel acts as a temporary bridge that allows traffic to be redirected from the old classifier to the new one without interruption. The tunnel is established and managed by the SMF, enabling seamless handover that maintains user plane efficiency while eliminating traffic interruptions during the relocation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If forwarding tunnels are established between uplink classifiers, then session continuity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesession continuityVSAvoidforwarding tunnel management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by having the SMF perform multiple functions: it manages the establishment, configuration, and teardown of forwarding tunnels between uplink classifiers, and it also handles the overall session management. The SMF centralizes the complexity of tunnel management within its existing session management framework, avoiding the need for separate dedicated management mechanisms. This multi-functional approach improves session continuity while containing the added complexity within the existing network architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11032873B2Session continuity in mobile systems using user plane functions with uplink classifier

Publication Date: 2021.06.08 APPLE INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure session continuity within mobile systems using user plane functions with uplink classifiers. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.