User Plane Relocation in 5G Wireless Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing user plane relocation for user equipment (UE) with different session and service continuity modes, particularly in 5G and NR systems, where seamless data session continuity is required across varying network conditions and user mobility.
Innovation Solution
The method involves the Session Management Function (SMF) requesting the UE to relocate a data session from a first UPF to a second UPF, where the UE initiates a new data session using an identification associated with the original session, and the SMF performs user plane relocation by establishing or modifying the session to be served by the new UPF, ensuring continuous service and improved network resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user plane relocation is performed for UE with different session and service continuity modes, then service continuity is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic user plane relocation by allowing the SMF to select different UPFs based on real-time network conditions and UE mobility patterns. The system transitions from static UPF assignment to dynamic selection, where the target UPF is chosen based on current network state, thereby improving service continuity while managing complexity through adaptive rather than rigid mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including UPF selection criteria, session continuity modes, and mobility management parameters. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on network conditions and UE behavior, the system achieves improved service continuity without requiring fundamental architectural changes that would increase complexity.
2Productivity
If data session paths are dynamically adjusted based on UE mobility, then service efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the SMF continuously monitors UE mobility status, network conditions, and session performance. Based on this feedback, the SMF dynamically adjusts data session paths and triggers UPF relocation when necessary. This feedback-driven approach improves service efficiency by responding to actual network conditions rather than following predetermined rules, while keeping control complexity manageable through event-triggered rather than continuous adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-selecting candidate target UPFs and preparing session context information before actual relocation is needed. This allows the system to quickly execute path adjustments when mobility events occur, improving service efficiency without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the actual handover moment.
3Reliability
If user plane relocation is performed frequently to track UE mobility, then service continuity is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing user plane relocation only when necessary based on mobility thresholds and session continuity requirements, rather than on every mobility event. The SMF evaluates whether relocation is truly needed before initiating the procedure, thereby maintaining service continuity for critical sessions while avoiding unnecessary signaling for minor mobility events that don't impact service quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for modification of data sessions may allow changing of user plane functions (UPFs) that serve a data session. A UE may identify a user plane of a first data session is to be relocated from a first UPF, and may initiate a second data session with a second UPF using an identification associated with the first data session. In some cases, the first data session may be modified to be served by the second UPF rather than the first UPF. A network entity, such as a session management function (SMF) may determine that a user plane of a first data session of a UE is to be relocated away from a first UPF, and may perform a user plane relocation of the first data session via establishing a second data session at a second UPF or via modifying the first data session to be served by a second UPF.