Methods and apparatus for selecting network slice, session management and user plane functions

• Main Authors: Stammers, Timothy Peter, Dodd-Noble, Aeneas Sean, La Roche, Humberto Jose, Alex, Arun C
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 01.09.2020
• Subjects: ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS

Methods for selecting network slice, session management, and user plane functions for for user equipment (UE) are described. In one example, a control plane (CP) entity for mobility management may select a CP entity for session management for a session of a UE based on a first set of data items. The CP entity for mobility management may further select a user plane (UP) entity for the session of the UE based on a second set of data items, where second set of data items include at least some of the same data items of the first set. The CP entity for mobility management may send, to the selected CP entity, a message including an identity or indication of the selected UP entity for the session of the UE. The selected CP entity may select the identified or indicated UP entity for use in the session of the UE.