Session Management Function Initiated N4 Association Setup Procedure
The following call flow depicts the SMF-initiated N4 Association Setup procedure.

| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | The SMF initiates the N4 Association Setup procedure to request the setup of an N4 association towards a UPF prior to establishing a first N4 session on this UPF. |
| 2 | After receiving an N4 Association Setup Request, the UPF sends an N4 Association Setup Response. |