User Plane Path Selection for Low-Latency Local Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems fail to select an optimal user plane path, leading to latency issues for delay-sensitive services and wastage of network resources due to longer data routing paths.
Innovation Solution
A communication method involving network elements that transmit and receive AF requests and messages to select an optimal user plane path, incorporating user plane information, DNAI information, terminal device information, and session information to enable local offloading and optimize routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a traditional user plane path is used without optimization, then network coverage is maintained, but transmission delay increases and network resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple user plane paths (first user plane path through core network and second user plane path through local access network) before data transmission is needed. The network elements prepare path information and configure routing rules in advance, allowing rapid path selection when transmission requirements arise, thus reducing transmission delay without adding operational complexity during actual data flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary network elements (SMF, UPF, AMF) that act as mediators between the terminal device and the network core. These intermediaries handle path selection logic and routing decisions, isolating the complexity of multi-path management from end devices while optimizing transmission paths. The SMF specifically serves as an intermediary that coordinates between different user plane paths based on service requirements
2Loss of energy
If data is routed through the core network, then network control is maintained, but network resources are wasted due to longer routing paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user plane path into two distinct routes: a first user plane path through the core network for control-intensive services, and a second user plane path through the local access network for data-intensive services. This segmentation allows traffic to be divided based on service type, enabling direct local routing for non-critical data (reducing network resource consumption) while maintaining core network routing for reliability-critical communications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling the terminal device to select different user plane paths based on local service requirements and network conditions. For delay-sensitive or resource-consumption-critical services, the device can choose the second user plane path through the local access network, optimizing local resource utilization. The UPF is configured with local routing rules that adapt to specific service quality requirements without compromising overall network reliability
3Speed
If path selection capability is added to reduce delay, then transmission speed improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the terminal device to autonomously select between the first and second user plane paths based on service requirements and network conditions. The device receives path information from the network and independently makes routing decisions without requiring complex real-time coordination with network elements during data transmission. This self-service capability increases transmission speed while limiting system complexity growth by distributing the selection logic to the endpoint
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are communication methods and devices. The communication method includes: a first network element sends an application function (AF) request, the AF request carrying at least one of the following: user plane information of the first network element; data network access identifier (DNAI) information of the first network element; information of a terminal device; or user plane session information corresponding to a user plane perception/positioning service. A user plane path can be selected, thereby saving network resources.