Foundation course ยท Module 9 of 20

DNNs and PDU sessions

How a device connects to a data network within a selected slice.

Course position: 9 of 20

By the end of this module you should be able to:
  • Define DNN
  • Define PDU session
  • Understand how slice and data-network selection interact

Data Network Name

The DNN identifies the external data network the device wants to reach. It is conceptually related to the APN used in earlier mobile generations.

PDU session

A PDU session is the logical connection between the device and a data network. It is controlled by the SMF and uses one or more UPFs for user traffic.

Slice plus DNN

A device may request a PDU session associated with an S-NSSAI and DNN. The slice identifies the service environment, while the DNN identifies the destination data network. They solve related but different problems.

Knowledge check

What does a DNN primarily identify?

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