The ENVELOPE architecture is designed to act as a versatile framework capable of accommodating and supporting various types of vertical services. Its effectiveness will be showcased not only through the CAM-oriented use cases within the project but also through at least nine additional open call projects that will be funded during the project’s duration. The advancement of innovative technologies within ENVELOPE aims to meet the demanding requirements of Beyond 5G Systems (B5GS), focusing on automation and enhancing user experience by integrating network and service information domains more tightly. Key features of the ENVELOPE architecture include considerations for power consumption optimization, particularly targeting transportation-related energy consumption through initiatives such as optimizing vehicle trips.
The deployment and integration of the ENVELOPE architecture across three trial sites will bring the project to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7, demonstrating its practical implementation on actual networks and roads. Noteworthy components and functionalities of the ENVELOPE architecture include:
• Support for Application Function (AF) traffic influence, user plane selection, and event notification within the 5G system.
• Framework for PDU session management with the ability to support multiple network slices per UE.
• QoS differentiation with support for guaranteed bit rate (GBR).
• Integration of edge computing capabilities, particularly in migration and inter-PLMN roaming scenarios.
• Implementation of adaptive multi-connectivity like ATSSS, allowing reconfiguration by the vertical.
• Incorporation of a 5G Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) for data collection, network analytics, and insights generation to enhance user experience.
The common ENVELOPE architecture and its interfaces for supporting Vertical Services (VS) are depicted, illustrating the standardized 5G System (5GS) domain alongside the vertical service domain and external vertical service modules. These modules facilitate both user plane and control plane interactions, employing a client-server model for application data exchange and standardized interfaces for control plane interactions between the Vertical Service Application Function (AF) and the 5GS system, depending on the entity’s trust level.
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Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). Neither the European Union nor SNS JU can be held responsible for them. Copyright © ENVELOPE Consortium, 2024.
