5G Core Service-Based Architecture for Uplink Data Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing mobility and authentication/authorization processes, particularly in scenarios involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and network slicing, where existing protocols are not adequately flexible or scalable to handle diverse traffic loads and technologies.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a service-based architecture within the 5G core network, which includes a framework for mobility management entities (MMEs), packet data network gateways, and network slicing, enabling dynamic resource allocation and authentication/authorization mechanisms that can adapt to varying traffic conditions and support multiple technologies, including UAV communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing protocols are used for mobility management and authentication, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and scalability are insufficient to handle diverse traffic loads and technologies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and scalabilityVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication and authorization process into distinct service-based functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, UDM, AUSF) that can operate independently and be selectively deployed. This modular architecture allows the system to handle diverse traffic loads and technologies by activating only the necessary service functions, thereby improving flexibility and scalability without requiring complete protocol redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The service-based architecture implements universal interfaces and standardized protocols that enable the same core network functions to serve multiple types of wireless devices and traffic scenarios. The AMF, SMF, and other service functions can handle various access types (terrestrial, non-terrestrial, UAV) through a unified framework, enhancing adaptability while maintaining protocol consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional core network architecture is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but dynamic resource allocation and authentication mechanisms cannot adapt to varying traffic conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic resource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation through the SMF (Session Management Function) and UPF (User Plane Function) that can adaptively adjust network resources based on real-time traffic conditions. The service-based architecture allows these functions to dynamically establish, modify, and release data sessions and user plane connections, enabling efficient resource allocation for varying traffic loads while maintaining a structured network framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The architecture incorporates feedback mechanisms where the PCF (Policy Control Function) receives information about network conditions and device states, then adjusts policy rules and resource allocation accordingly. The service functions exchange signaling messages that provide continuous feedback about traffic conditions, enabling adaptive resource management while maintaining architectural coherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If existing authentication procedures are used, then procedural simplicity is maintained, but seamless communication and resource allocation cannot be ensured across diverse wireless devices and network conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication and authorization reliabilityVSAvoidauthentication mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the AUSF (Authentication Server Function) and UDM (Unified Data Management) as intermediary components that centralize authentication and authorization operations. These service functions act as mediators between the AMF and the core network, implementing robust authentication procedures (including 5G AKA and EAP-based methods) while shielding the complexity from other network elements and providing reliable authentication services across diverse devices and access types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4082291B1Uplink data indication
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 PENINSULA TECH LLC
  • EP4082291B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4082291B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4082291B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless device receives, from a first network node, a message. The message is for establishing a packet data network (PDN) connection of the wireless device. The message indicates that transmission of uplink data via the PDN connection is not allowed until the wireless device receives an indication that transmission of uplink data via the PDN connection is allowed. The wireless device sends, to a second network node, based on receiving the indication that transmission of uplink data via the PDN connection is allowed, one or more uplink packets associated with the PDN connection.