How it Works
Achieving VLAN segmentation using next hop forwarding follows the given process:
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The SMF sends a N4 Session Establishment Request with the next hop forwarding address to the UPF.
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The UPF associates the next hop forwarding address with the session. This association allows the session management layer on the UPF to program the VPP to perform next hop forwarding of the uplink packets belonging to that session.
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The session manager on the UPF creates the uplink streams in the VPP Fastpath conduit with next hop forwarding operation with appropriate next hop IP. Therefore, the UPF does not look at the actual IP destination route to forward the packets. Rather, it relates the UE’s IP address with the next hop IP and forwards the uplink packet on the VLAN from where the next hop IP is reachable.