Operator-Controlled User Plane Rerouting in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G network architectures, the existing user plane path change mechanism involves multiple service entities, including non-operator third-party applications, leading to security vulnerabilities due to the need for exposing operator network internals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for user plane rerouting that allows network elements within the operator's control scope to adjust paths based on service awareness, using packet detection rules to trigger rerouting without relying on third-party applications, thereby enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If third-party applications trigger user plane path changes through NEF, then service flexibility is improved, but network security deteriorates due to exposure of operator network internals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the path change triggering function from third-party applications and relocates it to operator-controlled network elements (SMF, UPF). This removes the security vulnerability of exposing operator internals to external applications while preserving the ability to trigger path changes based on service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces operator-controlled network elements (SMF, UPF) as intermediaries between third-party applications and the core network. These intermediaries receive service requirements from applications and translate them into controlled path changes, preventing direct exposure of network internals while maintaining service flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple service entities are involved in user plane path change, then service awareness is improved, but system complexity increases due to numerous service interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the path change triggering and execution functions into a unified operator-controlled workflow. The SMF and UPF work together as an integrated system, eliminating the need for multiple independent service entities to interact, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining service awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SMF and UPF multi-functional, enabling them to handle both service awareness and path change execution within a single operator-controlled framework. This eliminates the need for separate service entities for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a user plane rerouting method and apparatus. The method includes: A first network element receives user plane rerouting trigger information sent by a second network element, where the user plane rerouting trigger information is sent when the second network element detects a preset service packet that matches a packet detection rule PDR, and the PDR is used to indicate matching information and an execution rule that are corresponding to the preset service packet triggering user plane rerouting. The first network element further performs the user plane rerouting based on the user plane rerouting trigger information. It can be learned that in the embodiments of this application, a network element within a control scope of an operator can adjust a user plane path based on service awareness, and a function entity planned on a third-party APP does not need to trigger a user plane path change. This improves operator network security.