Apparatus, method, and computer program

Abstract

An apparatus includes means for determining that data replication on a plurality of respective paths between one or more communication devices and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to UK patent application No. 2211695.8 filed on August 10, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if reproduced in their entirety herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to apparatus, methods, and computer programs, and in particular, but not limited to, apparatus, methods, and computer programs for use in a network using multiple communication paths. Background Art

[0004] A communication system may be viewed as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities (such as communication devices, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing carrier waves between the various entities involved in the communication path.

[0005] The communication system may be a wireless communication system. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs) operating based on radio standards (such as those provided by 3GPP), satellite-based communication systems, and different wireless local area networks, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs). Wireless systems can typically be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0006] Communication systems and related equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that specifies what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how it should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters for the connection are also typically defined. An example of a standard is the so-called 5G standard. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising means for determining that data replication on a plurality of respective paths between one or more communication devices and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0008] The component for determining that data replication will be reduced or suspended can determine one or more of the following: for which communication device among one or more communication devices, data replication will be reduced or suspended; on which path for the corresponding communication device, data replication will be reduced or suspended; and / or for the corresponding communication device, how much data replication will be reduced.

[0009] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine for which communication device of the one or more communication devices the data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0010] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine on which path to the corresponding communication device the data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0011] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine by how much data replication is to be reduced for the respective communication device.

[0012] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended in response to network congestion.

[0013] The apparatus may include means for determining network congestion.

[0014] The apparatus may include means for determining network congestion based on information from one or more communication devices and / or one or more network entities.

[0015] The apparatus may include means for determining network congestion based on information received by a network entity via a control plane connection or a user plane connection.

[0016] The apparatus may include means for determining an indication of usefulness of the copy.

[0017] The indication of the usefulness of the replication may be based on the number of copies of the data that were previously unsuccessfully received over another path.

[0018] The indication of usefulness of replication may be used to determine one or more of: network congestion; and / or that replication of data to the corresponding communication device is to be reduced or suspended.

[0019] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may use the indication of usefulness of replication to determine network congestion.

[0020] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine that data replication for the respective communication device is to be reduced or suspended based on the indication of the usefulness of the replication.

[0021] The apparatus may include means for receiving a rule having an indication that one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or network entities can determine to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0022] The rules may be received from a control plane entity.

[0023] The apparatus may include means for causing a message to be sent to a respective communication device, the message indicating that data replication between the communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0024] The message may include one or more of: information indicating an amount of reduction in data replication; information regarding a duration of the reduction or suspension of data replication; and / or information indicating on which of the plurality of paths data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0025] The message may be sent to the corresponding communication device via a user plane.

[0026] The message may include information indicating the amount of reduction in data replication.

[0027] The message may include information regarding the duration of the reduction or suspension of data replication.

[0028] The message may include information indicating on which of the plurality of paths data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0029] The apparatus may include means for subsequently causing a message to be sent to the respective communication device to end the reduction or suspension of the data replication.

[0030] The device may be in a network entity or provided by a network entity, and the above network entity may be a user plane function.

[0031] The apparatus may include means for receiving information from the decision making entity, the information used by the determining means to determine that data replication between the communication device and the network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0032] The information from the decision-making entity may include one or more of the following: network area information associated with data replication; monitoring information for monitoring congestion in the network; and / or service replication modification information.

[0033] The apparatus may include means for reporting network congestion information to a decision making entity.

[0034] The means may be in or provided by the decision making entity.

[0035] According to a second aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes circuitry configured to determine that data replication on a plurality of respective paths between one or more communication devices and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0036] A circuit system configured to determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine one or more of: for which communication device among one or more communication devices data replication is to be reduced or suspended; on which path for the respective communication device data replication is to be reduced or suspended; and / or by how much data replication is to be reduced for the respective communication device.

[0037] Circuitry configured to determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine for which communication device of the one or more communication devices the data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0038] Circuitry configured to determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine on which path to the respective communication device the data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0039] Circuitry configured to determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine by how much data replication is to be reduced for a respective communication device.

[0040] The circuitry configured to determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended in response to network congestion.

[0041] The apparatus may include circuitry configured to determine network congestion.

[0042] The apparatus may include circuitry configured to determine network congestion based on information from one or more communication devices and / or one or more network entities.

[0043] The apparatus may include circuitry configured to determine network congestion based on information received by a network entity via a control plane connection or a user plane connection.

[0044] The apparatus may include circuitry configured to determine an indication of usefulness of the copy.

[0045] The indication of the usefulness of the replication may be based on the number of copies of the data that were previously unsuccessfully received over another path.

[0046] The indication of usefulness of replication may be used to determine one or more of: network congestion; and / or that replication of data to the corresponding communication device is to be reduced or suspended.

[0047] Circuitry configured to determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may use the indication of usefulness of replication to determine network congestion.

[0048] The apparatus may include circuitry configured to receive a rule having an indication that one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or network entities can determine to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0049] A circuit system configured to determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine that data replication for a corresponding communication device is to be reduced or suspended based on a received rule having an indication that one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or network entities is capable of determining to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0050] The rules may be received from a control plane entity.

[0051] The apparatus may include circuitry configured to cause a message to be sent to a corresponding communication device, the message indicating that data replication between the communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0052] The message may include one or more of: information indicating an amount of reduction in data replication; information regarding a duration of the reduction or suspension of data replication; and / or information indicating on which of the plurality of paths data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0053] The message may be sent to the corresponding communication device via a user plane.

[0054] The message may include information indicating the amount of reduction in data replication.

[0055] The message may include information regarding the duration of the reduction or suspension of data replication.

[0056] The message may include information indicating on which of the plurality of paths data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0057] The apparatus may include circuitry configured to subsequently cause a message to be sent to the respective communication device to end the reduction or suspension of the data replication.

[0058] The device may be in or provided by a network entity, the network entity being a user plane function.

[0059] The apparatus may include circuitry configured to receive information from a decision-making entity, the information used by circuitry configured to determine that data replication between a communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0060] The information from the decision-making entity may include one or more of the following: network area information associated with data replication; monitoring information for monitoring congestion in the network; and / or service replication modification information.

[0061] The apparatus may include circuitry configured to report network congestion information to a decision making entity.

[0062] The means may be in or provided by the decision making entity.

[0063] According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0064] It is determined that data replication on a plurality of corresponding paths between the one or more communication devices and the network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0065] The apparatus may be caused to determine: for which communication device of one or more communication devices data replication is to be reduced or suspended; on which path for the respective communication device data replication is to be reduced or suspended; and / or by how much data replication is to be reduced for the respective communication device.

[0066] The apparatus may be caused to determine for which communication device of the one or more communication devices data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0067] The apparatus may be caused to determine on which path to the respective communication device data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0068] The apparatus may be caused to determine by how much data duplication is to be reduced for a respective communication device.

[0069] The apparatus may be caused to determine, in response to network congestion, that data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0070] The apparatus may be caused to determine network congestion.

[0071] The apparatus may be caused to determine network congestion based on information from one or more communication devices and / or one or more network entities.

[0072] The apparatus may be caused to determine network congestion based on information received by a network entity via a control plane connection or a user plane connection.

[0073] The apparatus may be caused to determine an indication of the usefulness of the copy.

[0074] The indication of the usefulness of the replication may be based on the number of copies of the data that were previously unsuccessfully received over another path.

[0075] The indication of usefulness of replication may be used to determine one or more of: network congestion; and / or that replication of data to the corresponding communication device is to be reduced or suspended.

[0076] The apparatus may be caused to determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended, and the indication of the usefulness of replication may be used to determine network congestion.

[0077] The apparatus may be caused to receive a rule having an indication that one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or network entities can determine to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0078] The apparatus may be caused to determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended based on a received rule having an indication that one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or network entities can determine to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0079] The rules may be received from a control plane entity.

[0080] The apparatus may be caused to cause a message to be sent to a respective communication device, the message indicating that data replication between the communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0081] The message may include one or more of: information indicating an amount of reduction in data replication; information regarding a duration of the reduction or suspension of data replication; and / or information indicating on which of the plurality of paths data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0082] The message may be sent to the corresponding communication device via a user plane.

[0083] The message may include information indicating the amount of reduction in data replication.

[0084] The message may include information regarding the duration of the reduction or suspension of data replication.

[0085] The message may include information indicating on which of the plurality of paths data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0086] The apparatus may be caused to subsequently cause a message to be sent to the respective communication device to end the reduction or suspension of the data replication.

[0087] The device may be in or provided by a network entity, the network entity being a user plane function.

[0088] The apparatus may be caused to receive information from a decision making entity for determining that data replication between a communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0089] The information from the decision-making entity may include one or more of the following: network area information associated with data replication; monitoring information for monitoring congestion in the network; and / or service replication modification information.

[0090] The apparatus may be caused to report network congestion information to a decision making entity.

[0091] The means may be in or provided by the decision making entity.

[0092] According to a fourth aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising determining that data replication on a plurality of respective paths between one or more communication devices and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0093] The method may include determining: for which communication device of one or more communication devices, data replication is to be reduced or suspended; on which path for the respective communication device, data replication is to be reduced or suspended; and / or by how much data replication is to be reduced for the respective communication device.

[0094] The method may include determining for which communication device of the one or more communication devices data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0095] The method may include determining on which path to the respective communication device data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0096] The method may include determining by how much data duplication is to be reduced for the respective communication devices.

[0097] The method may include determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended in response to network congestion.

[0098] The method may include determining network congestion.

[0099] The method may include determining network congestion based on information from one or more communication devices and / or one or more network entities.

[0100] The method may include determining network congestion based on information received by the network entity via a control plane connection or a user plane connection.

[0101] The method may include determining an indication of usefulness of the replication.

[0102] The indication of the usefulness of the replication may be based on the number of copies of the data that were previously unsuccessfully received over another path.

[0103] The indication of usefulness of replication may be used to determine one or more of: network congestion; and / or that replication of data to the corresponding communication device is to be reduced or suspended.

[0104] The method may include determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended, and the indication of the usefulness of replication may be used to determine network congestion.

[0105] The method may include receiving a rule having an indication that one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or network entities can determine to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0106] The method may include determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended based on a received rule having an indication that one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or network entities is capable of determining to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0107] The rules may be received from a control plane entity.

[0108] The method may include causing a message to be sent to a respective communication device, the message indicating that data replication between the communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0109] The message may include one or more of: information indicating an amount of reduction in data replication; information regarding a duration of the reduction or suspension of data replication; and / or information indicating on which of the plurality of paths data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0110] The message may be sent to the corresponding communication device via a user plane.

[0111] The message may include information indicating the amount of reduction in data replication.

[0112] The message may include information regarding the duration of the reduction or suspension of data replication.

[0113] The message may include information indicating on which of the plurality of paths data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0114] The method may include subsequently causing a message to be sent to the respective communication device to end the reduction or suspension of the data replication.

[0115] The method may be provided by a device. The device may be in or provided by a network entity, and the network entity is a user plane function.

[0116] The method may include receiving information from a decision entity that determines that data replication between the communication device and the network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0117] The information from the decision-making entity may include one or more of the following: network area information associated with data replication; monitoring information for monitoring congestion in the network; and / or service replication modification information.

[0118] The method may include reporting network congestion information to a decision making entity.

[0119] The method may be provided by a device. The device may be in a decision-making entity or provided by the decision-making entity.

[0120] According to a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising means for determining that data replication on one of a plurality of paths between a communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0121] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended in response to communication device criteria.

[0122] The communication device criteria may include battery condition.

[0123] Communication device criteria may include network congestion.

[0124] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended in response to information received from a network entity.

[0125] The apparatus may include means for determining an indication of usefulness of the copy.

[0126] The indication of the usefulness of the replication may be based on the number of copies of the data that were previously unsuccessfully received at the communication device over another path.

[0127] The apparatus may be provided by or in a communication device.

[0128] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: circuitry configured to determine that data replication on one of a plurality of paths between a communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0129] Circuitry configured to determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended in response to communication device criteria.

[0130] The communication device criteria may include battery condition.

[0131] Communication device criteria may include network congestion.

[0132] The circuitry configured to determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended in response to information received from a network entity.

[0133] The apparatus may include circuitry configured to determine an indication of usefulness of the copy.

[0134] The indication of the usefulness of the replication may be based on the number of copies of the data that were previously unsuccessfully received at the communication device over another path.

[0135] The apparatus may be provided by or in a communication device.

[0136] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0137] It is determined that data replication on one of a plurality of paths between the communication device and the network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0138] The apparatus may be caused to determine, responsive to the communication device criteria, that data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0139] The communication device criteria may include battery condition.

[0140] Communication device criteria may include network congestion.

[0141] The apparatus may be caused to determine, in response to information received from a network entity, that data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0142] The apparatus may be caused to determine an indication of the usefulness of the copy.

[0143] The indication of the usefulness of the replication may be based on the number of copies of the data that were previously unsuccessfully received at the communication device over another path.

[0144] The apparatus may be provided by or in a communication device.

[0145] According to an eighth aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: determining that data replication on one of a plurality of paths between a communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0146] The method may include determining, responsive to the communication device criteria, that data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0147] The communication device criteria may include battery condition.

[0148] Communication device criteria may include network congestion.

[0149] The method may include determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended in response to information received from a network entity.

[0150] The method may include determining an indication of usefulness of the replication.

[0151] The indication of the usefulness of the replication may be based on the number of copies of the data that were previously unsuccessfully received at the communication device over another path.

[0152] The method may be performed by a device. The device may be provided by a communication device or in a communication device.

[0153] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for determining that data transmission on a plurality of respective paths between one or more communication devices and a network entity is to be modified to reduce the number of paths over which data is transmitted.

[0154] It should be understood that one or more of the features discussed in relation to the first aspect may be modified for use in conjunction with this aspect. In particular, a modification of the data replication discussed in relation to the features of the first aspect would be to reduce the number of paths over which data is sent.

[0155] The component for determining that data transmission on multiple corresponding paths will be modified can determine one or more of the following: for which communication device among one or more communication devices, the data transmission on multiple corresponding paths will be modified; on which path for the corresponding communication device, the data transmission on multiple corresponding paths will be modified; and / or for the corresponding communication device, how much the data transmission on multiple corresponding paths will be modified.

[0156] The means for determining that the transmission of data on the plurality of respective paths is to be modified may determine this in response to network congestion.

[0157] The apparatus may include means for determining network congestion.

[0158] The apparatus may include means for determining network congestion based on information from one or more communication devices and / or one or more network entities.

[0159] The apparatus may include means for determining network congestion based on information received by a network entity via a control plane connection or a user plane connection.

[0160] The apparatus may include means for determining an indication of usefulness of data transmission over a plurality of respective paths.

[0161] The indication of usefulness may be based on the number of data packets successfully received on a given path.

[0162] The indication of usefulness may be used to determine one or more of: network congestion; and / or that data transmission on the plurality of corresponding paths is to be modified.

[0163] The apparatus may include means for receiving a rule having an indication that one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or network entities can determine to modify transmission of data on a plurality of respective paths.

[0164] The rules may be received from a control plane entity.

[0165] The apparatus may include means for causing a message to be sent to the respective communication devices, the message indicating that data transmission on the plurality of respective paths is to be modified.

[0166] The message may include one or more of: information regarding the duration of the modification; and / or information indicating on which path of the plurality of paths the data transmission is to be modified.

[0167] The message may be sent to the corresponding communication device via a user plane.

[0168] The device may be in or provided by a network entity, the network entity being a user plane function.

[0169] The apparatus may include means for receiving information from the decision making entity, the information used by the determining means to determine that data replication between the communication device and the network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0170] The information from the decision-making entity may include one or more of: network area information; monitoring information for monitoring congestion in the network; and / or information regarding modification of data transmission on the plurality of corresponding paths.

[0171] The apparatus may include means for reporting network congestion information to a decision making entity.

[0172] This can be used for load balancing.

[0173] According to a tenth aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising determining that data transmission on a plurality of respective paths between one or more communication devices and a network entity is to be modified to reduce the number of paths over which data is transmitted.

[0174] It should be understood that one or more of the features discussed with respect to the fourth aspect may be modified for use in conjunction with this aspect. In particular, the data replication modification discussed with respect to the features of the fourth aspect will be to reduce the number of paths over which data is sent.

[0175] The method may include determining one or more of: for which communication device among one or more communication devices, data transmission on multiple corresponding paths will be modified; on which path for the corresponding communication device, data transmission on multiple corresponding paths will be modified; and / or for the corresponding communication device, how much data transmission on multiple corresponding paths will be modified.

[0176] The method may include determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended in response to network congestion.

[0177] The method may include determining network congestion.

[0178] The method may include determining network congestion based on information from one or more communication devices and / or one or more network entities.

[0179] The method may include determining network congestion based on information received by the network entity via a control plane connection or a user plane connection.

[0180] The method may include determining an indication of usefulness of data transmission over a plurality of respective paths.

[0181] The indication of usefulness may be based on the number of data packets successfully received on a given path.

[0182] The indication of usefulness may be used to determine one or more of: network congestion; and / or that data transmission on the plurality of corresponding paths is to be modified.

[0183] The method may include receiving a rule having an indication that one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or network entities can determine to modify transmission of data on a plurality of respective paths.

[0184] The rules may be received from a control plane entity.

[0185] The method may include causing a message to be sent to the respective communication devices, the message indicating that the transmission of data on the plurality of respective paths is to be modified.

[0186] The message may include one or more of: information regarding the duration of the modification; and / or information indicating on which path of the plurality of paths the data transmission is to be modified.

[0187] The message may be sent to the corresponding communication device via a user plane.

[0188] The method may be provided by a device. The device may be in or provided by a network entity, and the network entity is a user plane function.

[0189] The method may include receiving information from a decision making entity, the information used by the determining component to determine that data replication between the communication device and the network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0190] The information from the decision-making entity may include one or more of: network area information; monitoring information for monitoring congestion in the network; and / or information regarding modification of data transmission on the plurality of corresponding paths.

[0191] The method may include reporting network congestion information to a decision making entity.

[0192] This can be used for load balancing.

[0193] The method may be performed by a device. The device may be provided by or in a network entity, and the network entity may be a UPF.

[0194] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for determining that data transmission on a plurality of respective paths between a communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce a number of paths over which data is transmitted.

[0195] It should be understood that one or more of the features discussed with respect to the fifth aspect may be modified for use in conjunction with this aspect. In particular, the data replication modification discussed with respect to the features of the fifth aspect will be to reduce the number of paths over which data is sent.

[0196] The means for determining that the transmission of data on the plurality of respective paths is to be modified may determine this in response to communication device criteria.

[0197] The communication device criteria may include battery condition.

[0198] Communication device criteria may include network congestion.

[0199] The means for determining that the transmission of data on the plurality of respective paths is to be modified may determine this in response to information received from the network entity.

[0200] The apparatus may include means for determining an indication of usefulness of data transmission over a plurality of respective paths.

[0201] The indication of usefulness may be based on the number of data packets successfully received on a given path.

[0202] The apparatus may be provided by or in a communication device.

[0203] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided a method comprising determining that data transmission on a plurality of respective paths between a communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce the number of paths over which data is transmitted.

[0204] It should be understood that one or more of the features discussed with respect to the eighth aspect may be modified for use in conjunction with this aspect. In particular, the data replication modification discussed with respect to the features of the eighth aspect will be to reduce the number of paths over which data is sent.

[0205] The method may include determining, responsive to the communication device criteria, that transmission of data on a plurality of respective paths is to be modified.

[0206] The communication device criteria may include battery condition.

[0207] Communication device criteria may include network congestion.

[0208] The method may include determining that transmission of data on a plurality of respective paths is to be modified, which may be determined in response to information received from a network entity.

[0209] The method may include determining an indication of usefulness of data transmission over a plurality of respective paths.

[0210] The indication of usefulness may be based on the number of data packets successfully received on a given path.

[0211] The method may be performed by a device, and the device may be provided by or in a communication device.

[0212] The component for determining that data transmission on multiple corresponding paths will be modified can determine one or more of the following: for which communication device among one or more communication devices, the data transmission on multiple corresponding paths will be modified; on which path for the corresponding communication device, the data transmission on multiple corresponding paths will be modified; and / or for the corresponding communication device, how much the data transmission on multiple corresponding paths will be modified.

[0213] The means for determining that data transmission on the plurality of respective paths is to be modified may determine for which communication device of the one or more communication devices data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0214] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine on which path to the corresponding communication device the data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0215] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine by how much data replication is to be reduced for the respective communication device.

[0216] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine that data replication is to be reduced or suspended in response to network congestion.

[0217] The apparatus may include means for determining network congestion.

[0218] The apparatus may include means for determining network congestion based on information from one or more communication devices and / or one or more network entities.

[0219] The apparatus may include means for determining network congestion based on information received by a network entity via a control plane or user plane connection.

[0220] The apparatus may include means for determining an indication of usefulness of the copy.

[0221] The indication of the usefulness of the replication may be based on the number of copies of the data that were previously unsuccessfully received over another path.

[0222] The indication of usefulness of replication may be used to determine one or more of: network congestion; and / or that replication of data to the corresponding communication device is to be reduced or suspended.

[0223] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may use the indication of usefulness of replication to determine network congestion.

[0224] The means for determining that data replication is to be reduced or suspended may determine that data replication for the respective communication device is to be reduced or suspended based on the indication of the usefulness of the replication.

[0225] The apparatus may include means for receiving a rule having an indication that one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or network entities can determine to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0226] The rules may be received from a control plane entity.

[0227] The apparatus may include means for causing a message to be sent to a respective communication device, the message indicating that data replication between the communication device and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0228] The message may include one or more of: information indicating an amount of reduction in data replication; information regarding a duration of the reduction or suspension of data replication; and / or information indicating on which of the plurality of paths data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0229] The message may be sent to the corresponding communication device via a user plane.

[0230] The message may include information indicating the amount of reduction in data replication.

[0231] The message may include information regarding the duration of the reduction or suspension of data replication.

[0232] The message may include information indicating on which of the plurality of paths data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

[0233] The apparatus may include means for subsequently causing a message to be sent to the corresponding communication device to end reducing or pausing the data copying.

[0234] The device may be in or provided by a network entity, the network entity being a user plane function.

[0235] The apparatus may include means for receiving information from the decision making entity, the information used by the determining means to determine that data replication between the communication device and the network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0236] The information from the decision-making entity may include one or more of the following: network area information associated with data replication; monitoring information for monitoring congestion in the network; and / or service replication modification information.

[0237] The apparatus may include means for reporting network congestion information to a decision making entity.

[0238] According to another aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by the apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform any of the previously listed methods.

[0239] According to another aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising instructions which, when executed, cause any of the previously listed methods to be performed.

[0240] According to one aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising computer executable code which, when executed, causes any of the previously listed methods to be performed.

[0241] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, on which program instructions are stored, and the program instructions are used to execute at least one of the above methods.

[0242] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by the apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform any of the previously listed methods.

[0243] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed, cause any of the previously listed methods to be performed.

[0244] According to one aspect, a non-volatile tangible storage medium is provided, on which is stored program instructions for executing at least one of the above methods.

[0245] In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be understood that other aspects can be provided by combining any two or more of the above aspects.

[0246] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and appended claims.

[0247] List of abbreviations

[0248] 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project

[0249] AF: Application Function

[0250] AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function

[0251] AUSF: Authentication Server Function

[0252] ATSSS: Access service guidance, switching and splitting

[0253] CIoT: Cellular Internet of Things

[0254] DCCP: Datagram Congestion Control Protocol

[0255] DL: Downlink

[0256] DN: Data Network

[0257] GBR: Guaranteed Bit Rate

[0258] gNB: gNodeB

[0259] GTP: GPRS Tunneling Protocol

[0260] HPLMN: Home PLMN

[0261] IoT: Internet of Things

[0262] IP: Internet Protocol

[0263] MA PDU: Multiple Access Packet Data Unit

[0264] (MP)TCP: Multipath Transmission Control Protocol

[0265] MS: Mobile Station

[0266] MTC: Machine Type Communication

[0267] N3IWF: Non-3GPP Interworking Function

[0268] NEF: Network Exposure Function

[0269] NF: Network Function

[0270] NWDAF: Network Data Analysis Function

[0271] PCF: Policy Control Function

[0272] PLMN: Public Land Mobile Network

[0273] PLR: Packet Loss Rate

[0274] PMF: Performance Measurement Function

[0275] PMFP:PMF protocol

[0276] QoE: Quality of Experience

[0277] RAM: Random Access Memory

[0278] (R)AN:(Radio) Access Network

[0279] ROM: Read Only Memory

[0280] RTT: Round Trip Time

[0281] SMF: Session Management Function

[0282] TA: Tracking Area

[0283] TS: Technical Specification

[0284] TNGF: Trusted Non-3GPP Gateway Function

[0285] UL: Uplink

[0286] UPF: User Plane Function

[0287] UDM: Unified Data Management

[0288] UE: User Equipment

[0289] 5G: Fifth Generation

[0290] 5GC: 5G Core

[0291] 5GS: 5G System BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0292] Some example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0293] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G system is shown;

[0294] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the device is shown;

[0295] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a user equipment is shown;

[0296] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the signal flow for establishing a subscription;

[0297] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an arrangement is shown in which an external control entity is connected to a set of UPFs and controls the UPFs to reduce / eliminate traffic duplication;

[0298] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing limiting service duplication is shown.

[0299] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing resuming or pausing business replication is shown;

[0300] Figure 8 A first method of some embodiments is shown;

[0301] Fig. 9 A second method of some embodiments is shown; and

[0302] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a non-volatile storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform Figure 8 or Fig. 9 One or more of the steps of any method in the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0303] In the following, certain embodiments are explained with reference to a mobile communication device capable of communicating via a wireless cellular system and a mobile communication system serving such a mobile communication device. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Certain general principles of wireless communication systems, their access systems and mobile communication devices are briefly explained to help understand the technology behind the described examples.

[0304] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G system (5GS) is shown. The 5GS may include a user equipment (UE), a (radio) access network ((R)AN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AFs), and one or more data networks (DNs).

[0305] The 5G(R)AN may include one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) centralized unit functions.

[0306] 5GC may include access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), authentication server function (AUSF), user data management (UDM), user plane function (UPF), network data analysis function (NWDAF) and / or network exposure function (NEF).

[0307] In some embodiments, one or more network functions may be responsible for providing network analysis information upon request of one or more other network functions or devices within the network. A network function may subscribe to other network functions to receive information therefrom. Thus, a network function may be configured to receive and store network information from one or more network functions or devices within the network. Data collection by the network may be performed based on at least one subscription to an event provided by at least one other network function.

[0308] Figure 2 An example of an apparatus 200 is illustrated. The apparatus may be provided in a network function. The network function may be an intermediate network function, a network function consumer, or a network function producer. The apparatus may have at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes one or more functions to be performed. In this example, the apparatus may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, and / or at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, and / or at least one processor 212, 213, and / or an input / output interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to RAM 211a and ROM 211b. At least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 215. Software code 215, for example, may allow execution of one or more steps to perform one or more aspects of this aspect. The apparatus may be provided in one or more network functions.

[0309] Figure 3 An example of a communication device 300 is shown, such as Figure 1 UE shown. The communication device 300 can be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include user equipment, mobile stations (MS) or mobile devices (such as mobile phones or so-called "smart phones"), computers equipped with wireless interface cards or other wireless interface facilities (such as USB dongles), personal data assistants (PDAs) or tablets equipped with wireless communication capabilities, machine type communication (MTC) devices, cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) devices, or any combination of these devices, etc. The communication device 300 can provide, for example, communication for carrying data for communication. The communication can be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text messaging, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0310] The communication device 300 may receive signals over the air or radio interface 307 via appropriate means for receiving, and may transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 3 In the mobile device, the transceiver arrangement is schematically represented by a block 306. The transceiver arrangement 306 may be provided, for example, by a radio component and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0311] The communication device 300 may be equipped with at least one processor 301, and / or at least one memory ROM 302a, and / or at least one RAM 302b, and / or other possible components 303 for software and hardware assisted execution of the tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling access and communication to access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may, for example, allow execution of one or more aspects of the present aspect. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a.

[0312] The processor, storage device and other related control devices may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or in a chipset. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 304 .

[0313] The communication device may optionally have a user interface, such as a keyboard 305, a touch sensitive screen or touch pad, a combination thereof, etc. Depending on the type of communication device, one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may optionally be provided.

[0314] In the following examples, reference will be made to UE as an example of a communication device. It should be noted that this is only an example, and any other suitable communication device may be used in the embodiments.

[0315] As part of 3GGP Release 18, enhancements to ATSSS are considered. ATSSS is a 3GPP-defined mechanism that aims to provide more efficient use of 3GPP and non-3GPP access for specific applications. For example, ATSSS involves service steering (i.e., selecting an access network for a new data stream), service switching (i.e., moving all services of an ongoing data stream from one access network to another access network to maintain continuity) and service splitting (i.e., splitting the services of a data stream between two access networks). One aspect involves support for redundant service steering. This can be to enable transmitters (UEs for UL services, and UPFs for DL ​​services) to support redundant service steering with replication criteria. This can improve reliability and reduce delays.

[0316] In the current proposal, an MA PDU session is established. An access is selected as the primary access and a certain percentage of packets are copied to the other access. Traffic replication on multiple paths can reduce end-to-end delay and / or packet loss rate. This can lead to better QoE. However, this may come at the expense of utilizing resources on both accesses. This may increase congestion. To reduce replication overhead, replication can only be applied when certain criteria are met, and replication can be disabled when the criteria are no longer met.

[0317] Although the activation of replication can be based on the status of each available access, i.e. based on RTT and / or PLR measurements on these accesses, the overall network situation may not be considered for service replication. Therefore, the network may be congested due to overload, and activating service replication may worsen this situation.

[0318] In some embodiments, replication may be paused and / or limited as long as it is beneficial to overall network performance. In some embodiments, service replication may be resumed if network performance permits.

[0319] Some embodiments may be used with other ATSSS steering modes. For example, in the case of load balancing the network, the UE may temporarily direct all traffic to the currently uncongested access and may not send traffic or send less traffic to the congested access.

[0320] Therefore, existing proposals for ATSSS with traffic replication may not take into account the optimal use of available resources.Thus, some embodiments may consider the interaction of load balancing and replication.

[0321] When the user plane of a 5G / 6G network area becomes congested and supports service replication guided mode, enabling service replication will further aggravate the congestion. Although individual UEs may expect improved QoE, the overall QoE of UEs in the congested network area may be affected.

[0322] Therefore, some embodiments may be aimed at solving this problem. For example, some embodiments may be aimed at preventing such a situation from occurring, or reacting quickly when congestion is detected. In some embodiments, the network may support pausing and / or limiting the business duplication boot mode operation. This may be done for a period of time and / or to a certain extent. For example, this may be for each user, a group of users, or all users. This may be located in certain parts of the network. For example, this may apply to one or more cells and / or one or more tracking areas.

[0323] One option may be to allow the SMF (or PCF) to generate updated ATSSS / N4 rules when congestion is detected.

[0324] As mentioned before, service duplication generates redundant packets on the selected access(es). This may result in a waste of resources, which is undesirable, for example, when the network is congested. Congestion may be due to lack of resource availability at the RAN and / or due to UPF overload. This problem may be amplified in the case of full duplication of applications. This problem may occur in the case of GBR services.

[0325] Currently, replication is not provided on top of the boot modes that aim to maximize throughput (i.e., load balancing and priority-based). This is because, as previously mentioned, replication generally reduces throughput. In an embodiment, rather than simply assuming that replication is not applicable, congestion is detected to determine the side effects of replication on throughput.

[0326] In some embodiments, the UPF and / or UE may reduce / stop replication if an indication is received that throughput is deteriorating due to congestion detected at any endpoint.

[0327] Some embodiments may provide user plane and / or control plane options for i) detecting congestion, and thereby ii) pausing and resuming replication.

[0328] Some embodiments provide a replication bootstrap mode with congestion based pausing.

[0329] In some embodiments, when the control plane has indicated data replication, the UPF can override this on the user plane at runtime. This override by the UPF will not involve the control plane. This override may cause data replication to be reduced or suspended. The override by the UPF may occur in response to congestion detection. The UPF can provide an indication to the UE via the user plane that data replication is suspended or reduced without involving the control plane.

[0330] In some embodiments, the ATSSS and N4 rules are delivered to, for example, the UE and UPF, respectively. For example, such delivery may be as described in ATSSS rel-18. These rules may indicate a redundant boot mode, and an indication that each endpoint may suspend and / or reduce replication. The endpoint may be a UPF for a downlink, and the endpoint may be a UE for an uplink.

[0331] For example, the PCF may provide rules to the UPF (via SMF-N4 rules) which may provide the UPF with the flexibility to decide whether replication should be applied based on local link congestion measurements.

[0332] Some embodiments may detect congestion.

[0333] The entity responsible for detecting congestion may be a UPF. The entity responsible for detecting congestion may decide whether congestion is occurring in an area based on one or more of the following:

[0334] 1) Local measurements at the UPF. These can be PMF measurements and / or (MP)TCP measurements on the user plane, and / or QUIC measurements on the user plane, and / or DCCP measurements on the user plane.

[0335] 2) For 3GPP access, measurements are assisted by the RAN. For example, the RAN may provide a congestion indication. This may be provided to the UPF via the N3 interface (e.g., congestion notification in an IP or GTP packet). The congestion indication may alternatively be provided by the RAN to the AMF via the N2 interface, which forwards the indication to the SMF, which forwards the indication to the UPF. In the latter case, the congestion indicated by the RAN applies to all UEs served by a certain base station. This information is provided by the SMF to the UPF.

[0336] 3) For non-3GPP access, measurements may be provided between the UE and the UPF. Alternatively or additionally, measurements may be provided between the UE and other nodes such as the N3IWF and / or the TNGF.

[0337] Some embodiments may provide congestion relief

[0338] After congestion is detected, the UPF chooses to suspend downlink duplication for certain UEs. The UPF may provide duplication suspension indications to the affected UEs to adjust uplink duplication. The NWDAF may assist the UPF in providing congestion relief.

[0339] The UPF can determine which UEs are affected. The UPF can determine how UE replication should be adjusted. In its simplest form, replication is completely suspended for all UEs or for a certain number of UEs. This selection can be implemented in a number of different ways.

[0340] This notification is delivered to each UE via a separate message on the user plane via the PMF protocol extension.

[0341] The notification may also include an indication of which access the replication is suspended on and for how long.

[0342] In an alternative embodiment, the UPF may provide a suspension indication to the RAN. This may be via the N3 interface or via the SMF to UPF to N2 interface path. The RAN may broadcast the indication to all UEs in its service area.

[0343] Instead of suspending replication, the notification may include a replication reduction indication, which may indicate: a maximum business replication budget that can be maintained (e.g., up to 20% may be replicated), or a reduction in the business replication budget (e.g., replication may be reduced by 50%).

[0344] The UE receiving the duplication suspension indication updates and adjusts the uplink duplication accordingly.

[0345] The entity that can best measure the effectiveness or usefulness of replication is the destination, i.e., the UE for downlink and the UPF for uplink. The destination can calculate from the received replicas how many replicas are useful, i.e., which replicas were not successfully received in other accesses. In this document, this metric will be called the replication metric. The replication metric can be provided by any access to other endpoints. This replication metric can indicate the importance of replication for a specific UE.

[0346] In some embodiments, the replication metric may be used for congestion detection and / or to guide the selection of UEs for which to suspend or reduce replication.

[0347] This replication metric differs from the packet loss metric, which measures the packet loss rate of each access at the destination, because it also considers whether copies from other accesses have been received. For example, if congestion occurs at the UPF, the PLR ​​observed on the two accesses will be comparable and there is no benefit from replication.

[0348] The duplication metric is measured on the actual traffic after duplication elimination.This metric can be reported similar to (or as part of) an availability report or similar to a PLR measurement per access.

[0349] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, packet loss metrics may alternatively or additionally be used for congestion detection, and / or to guide the selection of UEs for which to suspend or reduce replication.

[0350] Some embodiments may use a replication metric as a replication criterion. For example, replication may be implemented only if the replication metric indicates that the replication usefulness is above a given threshold and no congestion is indicated. For example, replication may be implemented if the replication usefulness is > 20% or any other suitable value.

[0351] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 Signal flows for some embodiments are shown.

[0352] This example focuses on the UPF deciding on duplication and indicating to the UE how to adjust its uplink duplication. However, it should be understood that the UE can apply the same technique in the other direction, i.e., to indicate to the UPF that duplication applied at the downlink should be adjusted. For example, this may be the case where the UE is low on battery and wants to deactivate one access. For example, the UE may want to deactivate its WiFi access.

[0353] Determine whether the UE and / or UPF decides on the duplication adjustment based on the configuration.

[0354] ATSSS and N4 rules may be provided with redundant guided patterns and optionally with a guided pattern duplication indicator. If the indicator is present, it may indicate that duplication adjustment is allowed upon congestion detection. This would indicate that upon congestion detection, duplication at either or both endpoints (UPF for downlink, UE for uplink) may be one or more of the following:

[0355] i) suspended;

[0356] ii) partial duplication reduced to x%; and / or

[0357] iii) Optionally adjust according to an optional indication of maximum replication. This can be expressed as a percentage of the packet to be replicated.

[0358] This can be achieved similarly to the indication of autonomous load balancing operation, i.e., a separate indication is delivered as part of the ATSSS container or N4 rule container to the UE and UPF respectively. TS23.501 and TS24.193 discuss this.

[0359] Note that this can be achieved similarly to the UE assistance provided by the UE to the network in UE assisted operation, except that here it works in the opposite direction, i.e. the network provides guidance to the UE and the UE is obliged to follow the provided guidance.

[0360] During operation, a UPF that has received a bootstrap mode duplication indicator is responsible for congestion detection by local means or any other available information.

[0361] refer to Figure 4 , which shows the message exchange between the network and the UE. After congestion is detected, the UPF locally selects which UEs to suspend downlink replication. The UPF provides replication suspension indications to the affected UEs via the user plane to adjust the uplink replication. This is shown in Figure 4 The reference numeral 401 is shown. This can be achieved by replicating the adjustment command via the PMF protocol.

[0362] If partial replication is supported, the command may include an adjusted replication percentage, or it may be up to the UE to decide how much replication to reduce.

[0363] In the case of full replication, the command may include an indication to suspend access for the replication.

[0364] Upon receipt, the UE adjusts its uplink duplication according to the received indication, which overrides the original duplication provided via the ATSSS rules. The UE will provide an indication to the UPF that the adjustment has been completed. As shown in reference numeral 403, the UE will send a PMF P duplication adjustment complete response to the UPF.

[0365] After the congestion is resolved, the UPF sends a termination command to the UE.

[0366] The PMF protocol may use the replication metric discussed previously.

[0367] Some embodiments may provide for congestion control to be applied by an external entity on the control plane. Figure 5 , where an external control entity (entity X) is connected to a set of UPFs (UPF-1 and UPF-2) and controls them by instructing how to reduce / eliminate traffic duplication to ensure that sufficient network resources are available under all load conditions. Entity X is the logical point for communicating decisions to the U-plane counterpart (i.e., UPF). Entity X can be any suitable entity, such as PCF, SMF, any other network NF, or an external AF.

[0368] In this example, UPF-1 controls UE-A and UE-B, and UPF-2 controls UE-C, UE-D and UE-E. In practice, each UPF will control many more UEs than shown in this example.

[0369] These decisions may include one or more of the following:

[0370] Area selection. This defines the area to which the decision applies. This can be one or more cells, one or more TAs, the entire network, and / or any other suitable area

[0371] instruct

[0372] Start / Stop congestion monitoring. This defines when congestion monitoring starts and / or ends.

[0373] bundle

[0374] • Business replication throttling. This can define whether replication is to be reduced and if so by how much. This can define whether replication is to be paused and / or restarted.

[0375] This may also include one or more criteria that define when replication will be reduced, paused, and / or restarted. If replication is to be reduced, this may include information about how much to reduce. One or more criteria may be associated with the degree of replication to be applied.

[0376] In some embodiments, entity X may have a distributed deployment where each region has a dedicated entity X which then connects directly to its local UPF. Figure 5In the example of , entity X decides to request UPF-1 and UPF-2 to start congestion monitoring by issuing a congestion monitoring request (MonitorCongestion()). In these requests, the first parameter is a list of target UEs or ALL_UEs-wildcard. The second parameter indicates how the information is reported back, i.e. as raw data or as an already (pre)processed set. Figure 5 In the example of , entity X sends a request to the first UPF-1 to request data for all UEs in an aggregated form. UPF-1 will provide a congestion report with the requested aggregated data to entity X. Figure 5 In the example of , entity X sends a request to the second UPF-2 to request the data of UE-C and UE-D in raw form. The second UPE-2 will provide the congestion report with the requested raw data to entity X.

[0377] refer to Figure 6 , which shows an example of limiting business duplication. In this example, the communication between the UPF and the UE can be carried out over QUIC, that is, the request from the UPF and its response can be signaled using the inbound protocol over the QUIC session. QUIC is a protocol defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) operating at the transport layer. Alternatively, cross-border signaling can be used to implement messaging between the UPF and the UE.

[0378] like Figure 6 As shown, entity X sends restriction service duplication information to UPF-1. This provides information about the UEs to which it applies (UE-A and UE-B in this example), and information about how to restrict additional duplicate services by adjusting the relevant service duplication budget value and / or relaxing the relevant service duplication conditions. This can be provided by the parameter RestrictRules-parameter, which in this example carries information about how to restrict additional duplicate services by adjusting the relevant service duplication budget value and / or relaxing the relevant service duplication conditions.

[0379] If limiting the service replication steps does not work, then the service replication operations may be disabled until the load conditions improve. Congestion monitoring operations continue to be enabled because, based on the resulting congestion reports, entity X or some other relevant entity may conclude that the load conditions now make it possible for all temporarily disabled service replication operations to be resumed. In this regard, please refer to Figure 7 , which shows an example of resuming / pausing business replication.

[0380] In this example, the communication between the UPF and the UE can be carried out over QUIC, i.e., requests from the UPF and their responses can be signaled using the inbound protocol over the QUIC session. Alternatively, cross-border signaling can be used to implement messaging between the UPF and the UE.

[0381] like Figure 7 As shown, entity X sends traffic duplication resume / suspend information to UPF-1. This provides information about the UEs to which it applies (UE-A and UE-B in this example), and whether the duplicated traffic is resumed or suspended. In this example, this can be provided by the parameter Restore / SuspendTrafficDuplication.

[0382] Alternatively, some embodiments may be provided on the control plane. The entity responsible for detecting and indicating congestion may be the NWDAF or any other suitable control plane network entity or AF. The control plane entity may collect data from the UPF and expose the data to the PCF. The PCF may update the ATSSS rules accordingly. For example, the 3GPP enhanced network automation feature (eNA) has defined "User Data Congestion Analysis" that may be used by the PCF, which in turn may feed the SMF with updated ATSSS and N4 rules that suspend / reduce replication.

[0383] This out-of-band mechanism can reuse available mechanisms.

[0384] It should be understood that in the above example, the UPF is the termination point for the uplink. It should be understood that similar decisions can be applied by each UE. If the network allows (see autonomous load balancing), it can independently decide when to apply replication based on its internal conditions (e.g., battery status), or a replication suspension indication can be provided to the corresponding UPF.

[0385] Some embodiments implemented on the user plane may be able to immediately mitigate the potential impact of traffic duplication.

[0386] refer to Figure 8 , which illustrates a first method of some embodiments.

[0387] The method may be performed by a device. The device may be in a network entity or be a network entity. The network entity may be a UPF or an external entity.

[0388] The apparatus may comprise suitable circuitry for providing the method.

[0389] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor causes the apparatus to at least provide the following method.

[0390] As an alternative or in addition, the device may be as described with respect to Figure 2 shown.

[0391] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0392] The method may include, with reference to S1 , determining that data replication on a plurality of corresponding paths between one or more communication devices and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0393] refer to Fig. 9 , which illustrates a second method of some embodiments.

[0394] The method may be performed by a device, which may be in a communication device or be a communication device.

[0395] The apparatus may comprise suitable circuitry for providing the method.

[0396] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor causes the apparatus to at least provide the following method.

[0397] As an alternative or in addition, the device may be as described with respect to Figure 2 or Figure 3 shown.

[0398] The method may be provided by computer program code or computer executable instructions.

[0399] The method may include, as indicated by reference numeral T1 , determining that data replication on one of a plurality of paths between the communication device and the network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend data replication.

[0400] It should be understood that Figure 8 or Fig. 9 The methods outlined in may be modified to include any of the previously described features.

[0401] Some embodiments provide for enabling the UPF to temporarily suspend replication if necessary, such as in the event of congestion.

[0402] In ATSSS deployment, full replication can be used as the basic configuration of redundant boot mode (RSM). However, in terms of network resource utilization, full replication can have the highest cost and inevitably increases network congestion. When the user plane becomes congested, blindly using service replication may further increase network congestion. Therefore, although individual UEs expect improved performance, the collective impact of RSM on the overall network performance may be negative. In an embodiment, the network may support pausing / reducing replication for a period of time and to a certain extent.

[0403] UPF can identify the impact of replication on the system. Therefore, whenever UPF detects congestion, or when replication is considered inefficient (for example, the same packet is lost on two accesses due to UPF overload, even without replication, the same performance can be achieved), it can override the RSM configuration and suspend replication for certain UEs. Especially for the case of full replication, this regulation can quickly resolve congestion problems.

[0404] When the PCF authorizes the duplicate adjustment operation in the PCC rule, the SMF provides an indication of the duplicate adjustment to the UE in the ASSS rule and provides an indication of the duplicate adjustment to the UPF in the MAR.

[0405] After identifying the need for duplication adjustment, the UPF can easily adapt to this situation by changing the duplication in the downlink on its own. Regarding the uplink, the UE needs to be informed of this necessary adjustment. This can be provided by the UPF via the user plane by extending the PMF protocol with a message. The message can be implemented similarly to the UE assistance provided by the UE to the network in UE assisted operation, except that the network provides guidance to the UE and the UE is obliged to follow the guidance provided.

[0406] The UPF can completely pause replication, or can indicate a percentage of partial replication as necessary.

[0407] After the congestion problem is resolved, UPF can terminate the replication adjustment operation through the PMF protocol termination message.

[0408] The same result can be achieved by updating the ATSSS / N4 rules.

[0409] In some embodiments, ATSSS rules and N4 rules are enhanced with new boot mode definitions and new parameters, including support for business replication suspension.

[0410] Based on the PCC rules, the SMF may create ATSSS rules and N4 rules, where the new bootstrap pattern data includes optional service duplication criteria and, if necessary, an indication that the UE / UPF is allowed to suspend duplication.

[0411] The PCF may provide PCC rules that take into account the new steering mode, including optional service duplication criteria to the SMF, and an indication that the UE / UPF is allowed to suspend duplication (when required).

[0412] Based on the service duplication guidance mode and the optional available service duplication criteria, the UPF can decide when to duplicate the service for downlink service via the available access path of the MA PDU session. If an indication has been received indicating that the UPF is allowed to suspend duplication, it can adjust its duplication at will and indicate to the UE that it will be applied to the uplink at any update.

[0413] Based on the service duplication guidance mode and the optional available service duplication criteria, the UE can decide when to duplicate the service for uplink service via the available access path of the MAPDU session. If an indication has been received indicating that the UPF is allowed to suspend duplication, the UE applies the UPF duplication guidance, such as suspending duplication, on the uplink after receiving the duplication update from the UPF.

[0414] The described embodiments are in the example context of data replication, where data packets are sent over two paths between a network entity and a communication device. The same principles can be used for any other scenario where two or more paths are available between a communication device and a network entity. For example, these principles can be applied to provide load balancing, where the path used between a communication device and the network can be controlled by a UPF or other user plane entity.

[0415] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a non-volatile storage medium 900a or 900b storing instructions and / or parameters that, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform Figure 8 or Fig. 9 The non-volatile storage medium may be a computer disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD) schematically labeled 900a, or a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick schematically labeled 900b. The computer instructions or code may be downloaded and stored in one or more memories. The storage medium may store instructions and / or parameters 902 that, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform Figure 8 or Fig. 9 One or more of the steps of the method.

[0416] The computer program code may be downloaded and stored in one or more memories of the device.

[0417] It should be noted that while the above describes exemplifying embodiments, there are numerous variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0418] It will be appreciated that while the above concepts are discussed in the context of 5GS, one or more of these concepts may be applied to other cellular systems.

[0419] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of >” and similar expressions (wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) refer to at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0420] Therefore, these embodiments may vary within the scope of the appended claims. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. Although various embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it is well understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0421] These embodiments may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the entity involved, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, in this regard, it should be noted that any process (e.g. Figure 8 or Fig. 9 The software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs. Physical media are non-transitory media.

[0422] The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a restriction on the medium itself (ie, tangible, not a signal), not on the persistence of data storage (eg, RAM vs. ROM).

[0423] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a gate-level circuit, and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0424] Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may be implemented using a circuit system. The circuit system may be configured to perform one or more of the previously described functions and / or method steps. The circuit system may be disposed in a base station and / or a communication device.

[0425] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0426] (a) Pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuit systems)

[0427] now);

[0428] (b) A combination of hardware circuits and software, such as:

[0429] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0430] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)) with software, software and memory(s) that work together to enable an apparatus (such as a communication device or base station) to perform the various functions previously described;

[0431] as well as

[0432] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may be absent when not required for operation.

[0433] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example, an integrated device.

[0434] The foregoing description provides a complete and informative description of some embodiments by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to one skilled in the relevant art in view of the above description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications to the teachings will still fall within the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions for user plane functions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: determining that data replication on a plurality of corresponding paths between one or more communication devices and a network entity is to be modified to suspend the data replication; and A message is sent to a corresponding communication device among the one or more communication devices, the message including an indication that data replication between the corresponding communication device and the network entity is to be modified to suspend the data replication.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein determining that the data replication is to be suspended comprises determining at least one of: for which communication device of the one or more communication devices the data replication is to be reduced or suspended; On which path to the corresponding communication device, the data replication is to be reduced or suspended; or How much the data duplication will be reduced for the corresponding communication device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein determining that the data replication is to be suspended comprises: In response to determining that network congestion exists, it is determined that the data replication is to be suspended.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein determining that network congestion exists is based on information from one or more communication devices, and / or one or more network entities.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein determining that network congestion exists is based on information received by a network entity via a control plane connection or a user plane connection.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: determining an indication of the usefulness of the data replication.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the indication of the usefulness of the data copy is based on a number of copies of the data that were previously unsuccessfully received on another path.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the indication of the usefulness of the data replication is used to determine at least one of: network congestion; or data replication for a corresponding communication device is to be suspended.

9. According to the device described in any one of claims 1 to 9, when the instruction is executed by the at least one processor, it also causes the device to execute: receiving a rule, the rule having the following indication: one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or the network entities can determine to suspend data replication.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the message comprises at least one of the following: information about the duration of said suspension of said data replication; or Information indicating on which path of the plurality of paths the data replication is to be suspended. The apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the message is sent to the corresponding communication device via a user plane.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to execute: subsequently sending a message to the corresponding communication device to end the suspension of the data copying.

13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: receiving information from a decision entity, and wherein determining that data replication between the communication device and the network entity is to be modified to suspend the data replication is also based on the information.

14. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the information received from the decision-making entity comprises at least one of: network area information associated with data replication; monitoring information for monitoring congestion in the network; or service replication modification information.

15. A communication device comprising: Means for determining that replication of data on one of a plurality of paths between a communication device and a network entity is to be modified to suspend the replication of the data.

16. The communication device of claim 16, wherein the means for determining that data replication is to be suspended determines that data replication is to be reduced or suspended in response to communication device criteria.

17. The communication device of claim 17, wherein the communication device criteria comprises a battery condition.

18. The communication device of claim 16, wherein the means for determining that the data replication is to be suspended determines that the data replication is to be suspended in response to information received from the network entity.

19. The communication device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, comprising: Means for determining an indication of usefulness of said data replication.

20. The communication device of claim 20, wherein the indication of the usefulness of the data copy is determined based on a number of copies of the data previously unsuccessfully received by the communication device over another path.

21. A method comprising: determining, by a user plane function, that data replication on a plurality of corresponding paths between one or more communication devices and a network entity is to be modified to suspend the data replication; and A message is sent, by the user plane function, to a corresponding communication device among the one or more communication devices, the message comprising an indication that data replication between the corresponding communication device and the network entity is to be modified to suspend the data replication.

22. The method of claim 22, wherein determining, by a user plane function, that the data replication is to be suspended comprises determining at least one of: for which communication device of the one or more communication devices the data replication is to be reduced or suspended; On which path to the corresponding communication device, the data replication is to be reduced or suspended; or How much the data duplication will be reduced for the corresponding communication device.

23. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein determining that the data replication is to be suspended comprises: In response to determining that network congestion exists, it is determined that the data replication is to be suspended.

24. The method of claim 24, wherein determining that network congestion exists is based on information from one or more communication devices, and / or one or more network entities.

25. The method of claim 25, wherein determining that network congestion exists is based on information received by the network entity via a control plane connection or a user plane connection.

26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform: determining an indication of the usefulness of the data replication.

27. The method of claim 27, wherein the indication of the usefulness of the data copy is based on a number of copies of the data that were previously unsuccessfully received over another path.

28. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication of the usefulness of the data replication is used to determine at least one of: network congestion; or data replication for a corresponding communication device is to be suspended.

29. The method of any one of claims 22 to 29, further comprising receiving a rule having an indication that one or more of the one or more communication devices and / or the network entities can determine to suspend data replication.

30. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the message comprises at least one of the following: information about the duration of said suspension of said data replication; or Information indicating on which path of the plurality of paths the data replication is to be suspended.

31. The method of claim 31, wherein the message is sent to the corresponding communication device via a user plane.

32. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 32, further comprising: A message for ending the suspension of the data copying is sent to the corresponding communication device.

33. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 33, further comprising: Information is received from a decision making entity, and wherein determining that data replication between the communication device and the network entity is to be modified to suspend the data replication is further based on the information.

34. The method of claim 34, wherein the information received from the decision-making entity includes at least one of: network area information associated with data replication; monitoring information for monitoring congestion in the network; or business replication modification information.

35. A method comprising: By the communication device, it is determined that data replication on one of a plurality of paths between the communication device and a network entity is to be modified to suspend the data replication.

36. The method of claim 36, wherein determining, by the communication device, that the data replication is to be suspended comprises: A determination is made by the communication device responsive to communication device criteria that the data replication is to be reduced or suspended.

37. The method of claim 37, wherein the communication device criteria includes a battery condition.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein determining, by the communication device, that the data replication is to be suspended comprises: A determination is made by the communications device that the data replication is to be suspended in response to information received from the network entity.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 39, further comprising: An indication of usefulness of the data copy is determined by the communication device.

40. The method of claim 40, wherein the indication of the usefulness of the data copy is determined based on a number of copies of the data previously unsuccessfully received by the communications device over another path.

41. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of claims 22 to 35.

42. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method of any one of claims 22 to 35.

43. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a method according to any one of claims 36 to 41.

44. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 36 to 41.

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