N4 Node-level Procedures

The N4 Node-level procedures in User Plane Function (UPF) involves the following processes:

  • N4 Association Set up Procedure – The procedure used for setting up an N4 association between the Session Management Function (SMF) and UPF.

  • N4 Association Update Procedure – The procedure used for modifying an existing N4 association between the SMF and UPF.

  • N4 Association Release Procedure – The procedure used for terminating the N4 association between the SMF and UPF.

  • N4 Heartbeat Procedure – The procedure used for sending and receiving the Heartbeat request and response.

  • N4 Reporting Procedure – The procedure used for reporting echo request and response for the GTP-u path failure.