Feature Description
In accordance with 3GPP TS 29.244, support has been added for node-level Heartbeat procedures between the Session Management Function (SMF) and User Plane Function (UPF) over N4/Sx interface.
The Heartbeat procedure contains the following two messages:
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Heartbeat Request
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Heartbeat Response
Heartbeat Request
The SMF or the UPF sends a Heartbeat Request on a path to the peer node to find out if it is alive. The Heartbeat Request messages are sent for each peer with which a Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) control association is established.
For each peer with which a PFCP control association is established, an SMF or UPF is prepared to receive a Heartbeat Request at any time, and replies with a Heartbeat Response.
Heartbeat Response
This message is sent as a response to a Heartbeat Request.