Method and Functions for Handling a UE's Access to a DN

A method, performed by a Session Management Function (SMF), for handling a User Equipment's (UE) access to a Data Network (DN) in a Fifth Generation (5G) communications system, the method comprising:

• obtaining at least one anycast address supported at a local Data Network (DN/l) which is accessible by the UE from its location;
• sending instructions to a central User Plane Function (UPF/c) to report usage of the at least one anycast address;
• receiving, from the UPF/c, information that usage of the anycast address has been detected;
• and
• determining, in response to usage of the anycast address being detected, that future usage of the anycast address should be routed to the DN/l via a local UPF (UPF/l).

A method, performed by a central User Plane Function (UPF/c), for handling a User Equipment's (UE) access to a Data Network (DN) in a Fifth Generation (5G) communications system, the method comprising:

• receiving instructions from a Session Management Function (SMF) to report usage of at least one anycast address, wherein the at least one anycast address is supported at a local Data Network (DN/l) which is accessible by the UE from its location;
• detecting usage of the at least one anycast address, wherein the anycast address has been used to access a central Data Network (DN/c) via the UPF/c;
• and
• sending, to the SMF, information that usage of the anycast address has been detected.

A Session Management Function (SMF) in a Fifth Generation (5G) communications system, the SMF comprising:

• processing circuitry;
• memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the SMF is operative to:
• obtain at least one anycast address supported at a local Data Network (DN/l), which is accessible by a User Equipment (UE) from its location;
• send instructions to a central User Plane Function (UPF/c) to report usage of the at least one anycast address;
• receive, from the UPF/c, information that usage of the anycast address has been detected;
• and
• determine, in response to usage of the anycast address being detected, that future usage of the anycast address should be routed to the DN/l via a local User Plane Function (UPF/l).

A central User Plane Function (UPF/c) in a Fifth Generation (5G) communications system, the UPF/c comprising:

• processing circuitry;
• memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the UPF/c is operative to:
• receive instructions from a Session Management Function (SMF) to report usage of at least one anycast address, wherein the at least one anycast address is supported at a local Data Network (DN/l) which is accessible by a User Equipment (UE) from its location;
• detect usage of the at least one anycast address, wherein the anycast address has been used to access a central Data Network (DN/c) via the UPF/c;
• and
• send, to the SMF, information that usage of the anycast address has been detected.