Wireless Device AMF Session Management for Seamless Function Relocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face challenges in managing complex signaling procedures during AMF, SMF, and UPF relocation, leading to issues such as call drops and disrupted sessions due to the inability of legacy mechanisms to handle these relocations effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implement enhanced signaling mechanisms that facilitate the relocation of AMF, SMF, and UPF during registration processes or handovers, involving additional messages and procedures to ensure seamless transitions and maintain session continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If legacy signaling mechanisms are used during AMF, SMF, and UPF relocation, then device complexity is reduced, but session continuity is disrupted and call drops occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing session continuity indicators and relocation tracking mechanisms before actual AMF, SMF, or UPF relocation occurs. The system proactively sets up message forwarding paths and session state preservation mechanisms in advance, preventing call drops before they happen rather than reacting after relocation disrupts sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as message forwarding mechanisms and session management intermediaries that bridge the gap during network function relocation. These intermediaries temporarily handle signaling and data traffic, ensuring continuous session delivery even when AMF, SMF, or UPF instances are being relocated to new network locations.
2Reliability
If enhanced signaling mechanisms are implemented to handle AMF, SMF, and UPF relocation, then session continuity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex relocation management into distinct functional components: session continuity indication mechanisms, message forwarding paths, relocation detection modules, and state preservation functions. Each segment handles a specific aspect of relocation, making the overall complex system more manageable and implementable through modular approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal mechanisms that handle AMF, SMF, and UPF relocation through a unified signaling framework. The same session continuity indication and message forwarding mechanisms apply across all three network function types, reducing the need for separate specialized procedures for each relocation scenario and simplifying implementation despite the enhanced capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If additional messages and procedures are added for seamless relocation, then user experience is improved, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing targeted message forwarding and session preservation only in the specific network locations and contexts where relocation is detected. Rather than universally increasing signaling for all messages, the enhanced mechanisms are activated locally at AMF, SMF, or UPF instances undergoing relocation, sending additional session continuity indicators only when and where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by implementing enhanced signaling mechanisms selectively rather than comprehensively. The additional messages and procedures are applied only to the extent necessary for maintaining session continuity during relocation events, not to all signaling traffic. This partial application reduces overall network overhead while still providing the user experience benefits where critical.
Data Source
AI summary
A source access and mobility management function (AMF) device may send, to a target AMF, a first message. The first message may indicate a handover of a wireless device and a source session management function (SMF). The source AMF may receive, from the target AMF, a second message causing a release of at least one second session of the wireless device. The source AMF may send, to the target AMF, a first indication of the completion of the release of the at least one second session.