Apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for network access - Patents.com

Abstract

SOLUTION: A network element for network access by a subscriber in control and user plane separation architecture includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network element to establish a PFCP session to program a set of packet forwarding rules for forwarding data traffic and facilitate network access by the subscriber according to a first set of QoS parameters. The set of packet forwarding rules associate the subscriber with at least a first subscriber group. The first subscriber group includes the first set of QoS parameters that are shared between the subscriber and one or more additional subscribers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a method, apparatus, and / or non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for providing network access to a residential gateway. [Background technology]

[0002] 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) fifth-generation (5G) technology is a next-generation wireless system and network architecture capable of delivering extreme broadband and ultra-robust low-latency connectivity. 5G technology will improve various telecommunications services offered to end users and help support massive broadband delivery of gigabytes of bandwidth per second on demand for both uplink and downlink transmissions.

[0003] 5G networks can support IP services, such as IP television (IPTV) services for residential gateways (RGs), such as fifth-generation RGs (5G-RGs), served by a 5G core (5GC). Summary of the Invention

[0004] The scope of protection sought for various exemplary embodiments is indicated by the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments and / or features described herein that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, if any, should be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various embodiments.

[0005] A Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) is the access point where network subscribers connect to a core network, such as 5G Core (5GC). CUPS BNG (Control and User Plane Separation in Broadband Network Gateway) is an example of a separated BNG. CUPS BNG is defined in the Broadband Forum (BBF) Technical Report TR-459.

[0006] It is a function of the BNG to provide quality of service (QoS) for each subscriber session. Traditionally, a home and / or multiple homes with multiple devices are served by a single BNG access node (AN). This requires subscribers to share bandwidth at aggregation or congestion points such as the AN. One or more exemplary embodiments provide a mechanism for hierarchically grouping subscribers and rate limiting them at different congestion points within the BNG.

[0007] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a method for network access by a subscriber in a control and user plane split architecture is described. The method may include, in an aggregation gateway function, establishing a Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) session and programming a set of packet forwarding rules for forwarding data traffic. The set of packet forwarding rules may associate the subscriber with at least a first subscriber group. The first subscriber group may include a first set of Quality of Service (QoS) parameters shared between the subscriber and one or more additional subscribers. The method may further include facilitating network access by a residential gateway in accordance with the first set of QoS parameters.

[0008] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first set of QoS parameters may be defined by a first quality of service enforcement rule (QER).

[0009] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a first QER may reference a second QER to achieve hierarchical QoS.

[0010] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first QER may define a first set of QoS parameters for an AN of the network, and the second QER may define a second set of QoS parameters for a BNG of the network.

[0011] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a subscriber may be associated with a first subscriber group and a second subscriber group, the second subscriber group may include a second set of QoS parameters defined by a second QER.

[0012] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first set of QoS parameters may include at least one of a rate or a scheduler.

[0013] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a network element for facilitating network access by a subscriber in a control and user plane separated architecture. The network element may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the network element to establish a PFCP session in an aggregation gateway function and program a set of packet forwarding rules for forwarding data traffic. The set of packet forwarding rules may associate the subscriber with at least a first subscriber group. The first subscriber group may include a first set of QoS parameters shared between the subscriber and one or more additional subscribers. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the network element to facilitate network access by the subscriber in accordance with the first set of QoS parameters.

[0014] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a network element for facilitating network access by a subscriber in a control and user plane separated architecture. The network element includes means for establishing a PFCP session to program a set of packet forwarding rules for forwarding data traffic. The set of packet forwarding rules may associate the subscriber with at least a first subscriber group. The first subscriber group may include a first set of QoS parameters shared between the subscriber and one or more additional subscribers. The network element may further include means for facilitating network access by the subscriber in accordance with the first set of QoS parameters.

[0015] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first set of QoS parameters may be defined by a first QER.

[0016] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a first QER may reference a second QER to achieve hierarchical QoS.

[0017] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first QER may define a first set of QoS parameters for an AN of the network, and the second QER may define a second set of QoS parameters for a BNG of the network.

[0018] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a subscriber may be associated with a first subscriber group and a second subscriber group, the second subscriber group may include a second set of QoS parameters defined by a second QER.

[0019] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first set of QoS parameters may include at least one of a rate or a scheduler.

[0020] Also described is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor in a network element within a control and user plane separation architecture, cause the network element to perform a method for network access. The method may include programming, in an aggregation gateway function, a set of packet forwarding rules for establishing a Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) session to forward data traffic. The set of packet forwarding rules may associate a subscriber with at least a first subscriber group. The first subscriber group may include a first set of QoS parameters shared between the subscriber and one or more additional subscribers. The method may further include facilitating network access by a residential gateway in accordance with the first set of QoS parameters.

[0021] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first set of QoS parameters may be defined by a first QER.

[0022] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first QER may define a parent QER to achieve hierarchical QoS.

[0023] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the parent QER may define a second set of QoS parameters for a second subscriber group at a congestion point upstream of the first subscriber group.

[0024] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first QER may define a first set of QoS parameters for an AN of the network, and the parent QER may define a second set of QoS parameters for a BNG of the network.

[0025] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a subscriber may be associated with a first subscriber group and a second subscriber group, the second subscriber group may include a second set of QoS parameters defined by a parent QER.

[0026] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first set of QoS parameters may include at least one of a rate or a scheduler.

[0027] The example embodiments will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given for purposes of illustration only and therefore not to limit the disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of a system architecture for wireless core network access, according to an example embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a Quality of Service (QoS) template according to an example embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a network node in which an Aggregation Gateway Function (AGF) may be implemented.

[0029] It should be noted that these figures are intended to illustrate the general features of methods, structures, and / or materials utilized in some exemplary embodiments and to supplement the descriptions provided below. However, these figures are not to scale, may not precisely reflect the exact structure or performance characteristics of any given embodiment, and should not be construed as defining or limiting the range of values or properties encompassed by the exemplary embodiments. The use of similar or identical reference numbers in various figures is intended to indicate the presence of similar or identical elements or features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Various exemplary embodiments will now be described more generally with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several exemplary embodiments are shown.

[0031] Detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments may be configured in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.

[0032] It is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the example embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0033] Although one or more exemplary embodiments may be described in terms of functions or network elements, such as a network node, an Aggregation Gateway Function (AGF) node, a Residential Gateway (RG), a server, etc., it should be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments discussed herein may be performed by one or more processors (or processing circuits) in an applicable device, apparatus, network node, network element, or system. For example, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the network element / network node, etc., to perform the operations described herein.

[0034] As discussed herein, the term "mechanism" may refer, in addition to its plain and ordinary meaning, to a method, an apparatus, and / or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, where applicable.

[0035] As discussed herein, the terms "one or more" and "at least one" may be used interchangeably.

[0036] It will be understood that several exemplary embodiments may be used in combination.

[0037] As discussed herein, the term "subscriber" refers to a purchaser or subscriber of broadband service who utilizes a residential gateway (RG) to access the service. The term "user" refers to a user of an end-user device or customer premises equipment (CPE) that transmits and receives user traffic through an RG. While used in this manner for clarity, a user may also be referred to as a subscriber.

[0038] As described herein, a packet data unit (PDU) session refers to an IP-based PDU session. An IP-based PDU session (sometimes referred to as an IP session) refers to an IP connection established between an RG (e.g., a 5th Generation-Residential Gateway (5G-RG)) and a wireless core network such as a 5GC, where the wireless core network assigns one or more IP addresses to the RG for use in transmitting and receiving traffic (e.g., data and control traffic). During operation, the RG utilizes the assigned IP address or IP prefix to connect to the Internet (or other data network). In at least some examples, the RG may obtain several different IP addresses / prefixes for different types of services, each representing a different IP session. An IP-based PDU session includes a single IPv4 session, a single IPv6 session, or a single dual-stack IP session. While discussed herein with respect to an IP session for illustrative purposes, the illustrative embodiments should not be limited to these examples. Rather, the illustrative embodiments may be applicable to other PDU session types.

[0039] In the Control and User Plane Separation in Broadband Network Gateway (CUPS BNG) architecture, the PFCP protocol is used to program traffic forwarding rules from the control plane or control plane function (e.g., Aggregation Gateway Function Control Plane (AGF-CP)) to the user plane or user plane function (e.g., AGF-User Plane (AGF-UP)) and vice versa. Each set of traffic forwarding rules that can be used for one or more PDU sessions from a single RG is called a PFCP session.

[0040] Generally, the control plane is responsible for maintaining session state and providing instructions to the user plane, which is responsible for moving packets through the system from ingress to egress by following the traffic rules programmed by the control plane and interacting independently with other nodes in the network via various routing protocols (e.g., Ethernet Virtual Private Network (EVPN), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP), etc.).

[0041] In the context of wired access to 5GC, a 5G-RG may be served by the 5GC. The 5G-RG operates as a full 3GPP user equipment (UE) that terminates 3GPP non-access stratum (NAS) signaling and is assumed to support the user equipment route selection policy (URSP) rules sent to the UE by the 5GC.

[0042] The PFCP protocol programs forwarding rules, including queues or policers per traffic or forwarding class, for each subscriber. In most broadband use cases, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) (or service providers) offer a limited set of service offerings (or services) based on bandwidth. Therefore, subscribers often share the same QoS template (containing a programmed set of QoS parameters) when paying for the same service, rather than the control plane programming the user plane with individual QoS parameters for each subscriber. QoS parameters can be provisioned statically or dynamically. Static provisioning of QoS parameters involves the use of static QoS templates, while dynamic provisioning involves programming such QoS parameters in real time.

[0043] One or more exemplary embodiments provide a mechanism that allows grouping of several subscribers to share QoS resources and facilitate network access. Subscribers may belong to one or more subscriber groups (SGRPs) to enable hierarchical QoS.

[0044] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of a system architecture for wireless core network access via 5G-RG, according to an example embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the system architecture incorporates the CUPS BNG architecture.

[0045] 1, a communication network includes multiple 5G-RGs 102-1, 102-2, and 102-3, multiple access networks (ANs) 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3 (also referred to as access nodes or AN nodes), an aggregation gateway function (AGF) node 10, a wireless core network 110, and a data network (DN) such as the Internet 100. In this example, the wireless core network 110 is a 5G-RG, and each of the 5G-RGs 102-1, 102-2, and 102-3 is served by a corresponding one of the ANs 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3. However, exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example.

[0046] Each of the ANs 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3 may include one or more of a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) or a wired 5G access network (W-5GAN).

[0047] Each of 5G-RGs 102-1, 102-2, and 102-3 can provide IP services to one or more end-user devices or customer premises equipment (CPE) (not shown in FIG. 1). In one example, an end-user device or CPE is understood to be a hardware device or equipment typically located in a customer's home or business. Exemplary end-user devices may include terminals or electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, computers, tablets, wireless (e.g., WiFi) access points, wireless network (e.g., WiFi) extenders, fixed wireless access units, small cell devices, etc.

[0048] 1 shows only a particular number of 5G-RGs and ANs, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. Rather, any number of 5G-RGs may be served by a given AN and / or any number of ANs may be served by an AGF.

[0049] For illustrative purposes, one or more exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with respect to 5G-RG102-1 and AN104-1. However, it should be understood that 5G-RG102-2 and 102-3 may have the same or substantially the same functionality as 5G-RG102-1. Similarly, it should be understood that AN104-2 and 104-3 may have the same or substantially the same functionality as AN104-1.

[0050] 5G-RG 102-1 is an RG that connects one or more end user devices or CPEs to the Internet (or other data network) 100 via 5GC 110. 5G-RG 102-1 registers and authenticates with 5GC 110 through the use of standard mobile 3GPP procedures. 5G-RG 102-1 processes control messages (e.g., 3GPP NAS messages) from 5GC 110 and access stratum (AS) messages from AGF 10.

[0051] Once authenticated with the 5GC 110, the 5G-RG 102-1 may be assigned one or more IP addresses upon request. The 5G-RG 102-1 may either utilize the assigned IP addresses as network address translation (NAT) public addresses (e.g., for IPv4) or assign prefixes directly to end-user devices (e.g., for IPv6).

[0052] 5G-RG102-1 can support multiple services, such as IPTV. In some embodiments, IPTV can be defined as multimedia services, such as television, video, audio, text media, graphics, data, or combinations thereof, delivered over an IP-based network that supports a required level of QoS, Quality of Experience (QoE), security, interactivity, reliability, etc.

[0053] 5G-RG102-1 is connected to 5GC110 via AN104-1 and a gateway (or gateway function) called AGF10. AGF10 is a function added to a wired access network (e.g., W-5GAN) that enables and / or allows connectivity to 5GC110 via a wired network.

[0054] The AGF 10 is separated to separate the control plane (AGF-Control Plane (AGF-CP) 106) and the user plane (AGF-User Plane (AGF-UP) 108).

[0055] Among other functions, as also described above, the AGF-CP 106 programs the AGF-UP 108 with forwarding rules and QoS parameters via the PFCP protocol to facilitate network access by the 5G-RG 102-1 to the 5GC 110. Additional functions of the elements of FIG. 1 are discussed below with respect to FIG. 2.

[0056] Figure 2 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a method for network access according to an exemplary embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2 will be described with reference to the architecture shown in Figure 1. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment should not be limited to this example.

[0057] 2, at S20, the AGF-UP 108 receives an initiation (e.g., PADI) message from the 5G-RG 102-1 via the AN 104-1, requesting network access (e.g., to the Internet 100) via the 5G-RG 110. Upon receipt, at S22, the AGF-UP 108 forwards the initiation message to the AGF-CP 106 via a common control packet redirection tunnel between the AGF-UP 108 and the AGF-CP 106.

[0058] In step S23, the AGF-CP 106 and the AGF-UP 108 establish an active PFCP association by exchanging PFCP association setup messages. For example, the AGF-CP 106 sends a PFCP Association Setup Request message to the AGF-UP 108, and the AGF-UP 108 responds by sending a PFCP Association Setup Response message to the AGF-CP 106. Among other things, during the PFCP association setup in S23, the AGF-CP 106 utilizes the PFCP protocol to program one or more QoS templates in the AGF-UP 108 with a QoS policy name, a QoS Enforcement Rule (QER), and an associated list of QoS parameters. In one example, a service provider may design a QoS template for each of the services provided to the 5G-RG 102-1. Each QoS template has a "name" (QoS policy name) and a list of QERs, each containing definitions and / or pre-defined QoS parameters such as rate and scheduler (e.g., Peak Information Rate (PIR), Committed Information Rate (CIR), Priority (Prio), etc.). In this case, the QoS policy name is associated with a list of QERs containing the QoS parameters assigned to the service by the service provider. When an update to the QoS templates in the AGF-UP 108 is required (e.g., adding, deleting, and / or modifying a QoS template), the AGF-CP 106 may send a PFCP association update to the AGF-UP 108 to affect the update to the programmed QoS templates. Thus, the PFCP association message may be used to program and / or update QoS templates per service level and / or across subscribers associated with the QoS template or service.

[0059] More particularly, according to at least one exemplary embodiment, a QoS template may include a list of QoS parameters represented as QERs. In at least one exemplary embodiment, indexing is used for the QoS parameters such that a QER index references another QER index, which may enable hierarchical QoS. Although described herein with respect to QERs, it should be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments may apply to any QoS information element (IE) represented by one or more indexes.

[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates a QoS template according to an example embodiment.

[0061] 3, QoS template subscriber groups (SGRPs) 1 and 2 include a list of QER indexes (QoS rule indexes), each of which is associated with a respective set or list of QoS parameters (e.g., PIR, CIR, Prio). The QER indexes (e.g., QER1, QER2, QER3, QER4, QER5) and QoS parameters are represented as information elements (IEs). More specifically, a first subscriber group SGRP1 may be associated with QER4, and a second subscriber group SGRP2 may be associated with QER5.

[0062] A PFCP session contains a list of Packet Detection Rules (PDRs) and associated Packet Detection Information (PDIs), where each PDR references a QER index (e.g., QER1, QER2) and a forwarding action rule (FAR1, FAR2). The PDR identifies a specific forwarding rule, and the PDI is a grouped IE that specifies matching criteria using a source interface and traffic endpoint. The FAR specifies the forwarding action and destination of redirected control packets. As mentioned above, the QER index is associated with a list of QoS parameters.

[0063] During programming of QoS templates in the AGF-UP 108, the AGF-CP 106 has knowledge of the QER index for each QoS template. Thus, during a PDU session, the AGF-CP 106 can update one or more QoS parameters by referencing the respective QER index. This may reduce the number of instructions that need to be sent to update QoS parameters and may allow all subscriber sessions that reference a particular QER index to be indirectly updated. For example, only one instruction modifying the QER index needs to be sent, which is then referenced by one or more subscriber sessions that have access to the updated QoS parameters. Figure 3 is discussed in more detail later.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 2 , at S28 and S30, AGF 10 establishes a PFCP session between 5G-RG 102-1 and 5GC 110, including a set of forwarding rules for QoS parameter indexing and control messages. In at least one exemplary embodiment, AGF 10 establishes the PFCP session to associate subscribers with at least a first subscriber group and enable the exchange of control signaling (or control messages) between AGF-UP 108 and AGF-CP 106. The control messages may be PPPoE control plane messages and / or NAS messages transported via a PPP vendor-specific network protocol (VSNP). Furthermore, AGF 10 establishes the PFCP session to program a set of packet forwarding rules for forwarding data traffic between AGF-UP 108 and AGF-CP 106.

[0065] More specifically, for example, when a PFCP session is established in the AGF-CP 106, the AGF-CP 106 outputs a PFCP session establishment request message (PFCP Session Est. Req.) to the AGF-UP 108 in S28. Based on the PFCP session establishment request message, the AGF-UP 108 establishes a PFCP session in the AGF-UP 108. Then, the AGF-UP 108 outputs a PFCP session establishment response message (PFCP Session Est. Resp.) to the AGF-CP 106 (S30), indicating that a PFCP session has been established in the AGF-UP 108. The PFCP session establishment message for control signaling is generally known, and therefore further description will be omitted.

[0066] At S32, 5G-RG 102-1 completes registration with 5G-RG 110 by exchanging control messages (e.g., NAS messages or PPPoE control plane messages) according to the established PFCP session (forwarding rules). During this process, the service provider identifies 5G-RG 102-1 through its subscriber identity module (SIM) card and provides the AGF-CP 106 with initial RG-level wired access characteristics (RG-LWAC). The RG-LWAC is a QoS parameter associated with the subscriber or subscription. The RG-LWAC can carry real-time 5G QoS Identifier (5QI) to traffic class (TC) mapping and other aggregate QoS information, such as downlink (DL) aggregate rate, aggregate policy uplink (UL) and DL, 5QI-to-TC mapping for DL, and each TC has a queue profile and policy profile. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the RG-LWAC can include a QoS policy name corresponding to a QoS template that 5G-RG 102-1 should use for the service requested in 5G-RG 102-1. The RG-LWAC information includes the QoS policy name that 5G-RG102-1 should use for all PDU sessions.

[0067] In step S34, 5G-RG102-1 initiates a service request or establishes a new PDU session with 5GC110. As is commonly known, a service request may be used when 5G-RG102-1 needs and / or desires to re-establish control (e.g., NAS) signaling and PDU sessions. In this case, 5G-RG102-1 is still registered with 5GC110 but may have temporarily lost connection with AGF10 (e.g., when the line is disconnected). However, if the initiation message requests initial network access by 5G-RG102-1 to 5GC110, then in S34, 5G-RG102-1 may establish a new (initial) PDU session with 5GC110. Such service request and PDU session establishment methods are well known, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0068] After completing the registration process at S34, upon receiving a PDU session establishment request from the 5GC 110 at S36, the AGF 10 modifies the established PFCP session to add a set of data forwarding rules at S40 and S42. In doing so, the AGF 10 also specifies and / or updates QoS parameters for the PDU session to be established. More specifically, for example, the AGF-CP 106 and the AGF-UP 108 exchange PFCP session modification messages for the requested PDU session to add a set of forwarding rules for data traffic and specify the QoS parameters to be used for the requested PDU session. In one example (e.g., using a static template), the QoS parameters may be specified by providing the AGF-UP 108 with a QoS policy name (e.g., QER1:Template-1) for the PDU session to be established. The AGF-CP 106 may also include a QoS policy and a QER that includes specific QoS parameters that may override the QER in the QoS policy. In the dynamic case, the AGF-CP 106 can specify individual QoS parameters for the PDU session to be established (e.g., QER 1: CIR 10 PIR 20, QER 2: CIR 20 PIR 40, etc.), and the AGF-UP 108 can update the entries in the QoS template based on this information from the AGF-CP 106.

[0069] In more detail, once the PFCP session has been modified as needed to add the set of required forwarding rules and specify the QoS parameters at the AGF-CP 106 (e.g., via a QoS template or by individual QoS parameters), the AGF-CP 106 sends a PFCP session modification request message (PFCP Session Mod. Req.) to the AGF-UP 108 at S40, specifying, among other things, the QoS parameters (e.g., via a QoS policy name or by individual QoS parameters). Based on the PFCP modification request message, the AGF-UP 108 modifies the PFCP session as needed to add the set of required data forwarding rules and specify the QoS parameters for the PDU session at the AGF-UP 108. The AGF-UP 108 then sends a PFCP session modification response message (PFCP Session Mod. Resp.) to the AGF-CP 106 at S42, indicating that the PFCP session has been modified at the AGF-UP 108. The PFCP modification message and the method for modifying a PFCP session are otherwise commonly known, and therefore further description will be omitted.

[0070] In S44, when the PFCP session is modified, the AGF-CP 106 outputs a PDU session establishment response message (PDU Session Est. Resp.) to the 5GC 110.

[0071] In step S46, 5G-RG102-1 completes the establishment of the requested PDU session with 5GC110 and obtains the requested IP address and prefix for the PDU session from 5GC110.

[0072] Once the PDU session between 5G-RG102-1 and 5GC110 is established, AGF10 facilitates access by 5G-RG102-1 to 5GC110 according to the PFCP session and QoS parameters in AGF-CP106 and AGF-UP108.

[0073] Referring again to FIG. 3 , in one or more exemplary embodiments, the packet forwarding rules programmed by the PFCP may associate a subscriber with a first subscriber group SGRP1. In some embodiments, the subscriber may further be associated with a second subscriber group SGRP2. The first subscriber group SGRP1 may be associated with a first set of QoS parameters, and the second subscriber group SGRP2 may be associated with a second set of QoS parameters. The first subscriber group SGRP1 may include a first QER index QER4 as the IE that includes the first set of QoS parameters, and the second subscriber group SGRP2 may include a second QER index QER5 as the IE that includes the second set of QoS parameters.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, QER4 may reference QER5 to achieve hierarchical QoS. Hierarchical QoS may be achieved by QERs defining parent QERs, which may be QERs at different levels of the network architecture, such as network congestion or aggregation points upstream of a group of subscribers. For example, subscribers may be grouped at different levels of the network architecture. QER3 may be defined for an RG, such as a home, which may include one or more devices. QER3 may reference QER4, such that QER4 is the parent QER to QER3. QER4 may be defined for an AN that may serve one or more RGs. QER4 may reference QER5, such that QER5 is the parent QER to QER4 and the grandparent QER to QER3. QER5 may be defined for a BNG that may serve one or more ANs. Hierarchical QoS is defined in Broadband Forum (BBF) Technical Report TR-134.

[0075] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the AGF 10 can modify an established PFCP session by modifying one or more of the QoS parameters as described above using a PFCP Association Setup message and / or a PFCP Session Modify Request message. In at least one exemplary embodiment, hierarchical QoS can be utilized to modify the QoS parameters. For example, if a QER is updated, any QERs that reference the updated or modified QER may be indirectly updated or modified. For example, if one or more QoS parameters of QER5 are modified, QER4 may be indirectly updated or modified through QER4, which references QER5, because QER5 is a parent QER of QER4.

[0076] In at least one exemplary embodiment, AGF10 facilitates access to 5GC110 via 5G-RG102-1 for the subscriber in accordance with the PFCP session and QoS parameters, such as either a first set of QoS parameters and / or a second set of QoS parameters.

[0077] One or more exemplary embodiments also provide a mechanism for selectively grouping subscribers into subscriber groups (SGRPs). When subscribers are grouped into an SGRP, the subscribers can share QoS resources associated with the SGRP. In one or more exemplary embodiments, a first subscriber and a second subscriber may be grouped into an SGRP if the two subscribers have the same QoS profile. If the first subscriber and the second subscriber have the same rate and / or scheduler defined as QoS parameters of their subscriber sessions, they may have the same QoS profile and may be able to be grouped together. For example, the first subscriber and the second subscriber may be grouped into a first subscriber group SGRP1 based on the QoS profile of the first subscriber matching the QoS profile of the second subscriber. The AGF 10 may facilitate access to the 5GC 110 via the 5G-RG 102-1 for the first subscriber, as described above. The first subscriber may be associated with the first subscriber group SGRP1, which may reference the second subscriber group SGRP2. Similarly, AGF10 may facilitate access to 5GC110 by 5G-RG102-1 for the second subscriber, as described above. The second subscriber may similarly be associated with a first subscriber group SGRP1 and a second subscriber group SGRP2. Thus, the first subscriber and the second subscriber may be grouped into the first subscriber group SGRP1 and may also be grouped into the second subscriber group SGRP2.

[0078] Subscribers grouped into a subscriber group can share the QoS resources defined for that subscriber group. For example, a first subscriber and a second subscriber may share the QoS resources of the first subscriber group SGRP1 and the second subscriber group SGRP2 when they are grouped into the first subscriber group SGRP1 and the second subscriber group SGRP2. When subscribers are grouped into a subscriber session, the subscribers can share QoS resources, such as the PIR, defined for that particular subscriber group. For example, if a first subscriber and a second subscriber are grouped into the first subscriber group SGRP1, they can share the PIR of 1 Gbps / 100 Mbps DL / UL defined for the first subscriber group SGRP1, and the first subscriber and the second subscriber are each assigned a portion of the PIR or other QoS resources. Similarly, when the first subscriber and the second subscriber are grouped into a second subscriber group SGRP2, they may share the PIR of 10 Gbps / 1 Gbps DL / UL defined for the second subscriber group, and the first subscriber and the second subscriber are each assigned a portion of the PIR or other QoS resource.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, more than two subscribers may be associated with each subscriber group. Each of the subscribers associated with a subscriber group may share QoS resources, such as rates and / or schedulers, defined for the subscriber group. Grouping subscribers who share the same rate for their subscriber sessions may provide improved network access for all subscribers in the subscriber group. Traditionally, BNG subscribers with a common QER correlation ID share bandwidth at aggregation or congestion points, such as access nodes in the network. This framework provides restrictive network access without considering each subscriber's rate and / or scheduler. The embodiments described herein provide improved network access by grouping subscribers into subscriber groups with a common QoS profile. This grouping ensures that subscribers can share common QoS resources among themselves. This grouping of subscribers allows subscribers to access the network using the rates and schedulers they pay for and ensures that subscribers' network access is not restricted by subscribers at aggregation points with disjoint QoS resources.

[0080] 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a network node in which an AGF may be implemented. The structure shown in FIG. 4 may also represent other network elements such as residential gateways, CPEs, etc.

[0081] As shown, the network node includes a memory 440, a processor 420 coupled to the memory 440, and various communication interfaces 460 coupled to the processor 420. The various interfaces 460 may comprise transceivers for transmitting / receiving data to / from other network elements (e.g., network nodes, routers, nodes, servers, BNGs, etc.). As will be appreciated, depending on the implementation of the network node, the network node may include more components than those shown in FIG. 4. However, it is not necessary to show all of these generally conventional components to disclose the exemplary embodiments. For illustrative purposes, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the processor 420. However, it should be understood that the network node shown in FIG. 4 may include one or more processors or other processing circuitry, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0082] The memory 440 may be a computer-readable storage medium generally including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or a permanent mass storage device such as a disk drive. The memory 440 also stores an operating system and any other routines / modules / applications for providing the functionality of the network node (including the UPF, CPF, MPF, etc.) to be executed by the processor 420. These software components may also be loaded into the memory 440 from a separate computer-readable storage medium using a drive mechanism (not shown). Such a separate computer-readable storage medium may include a disk, tape, DVD / CD-ROM drive, memory card, or other similar computer-readable storage medium (not shown). In some exemplary embodiments, the software components may be loaded into the memory 440 through one of the various interfaces 460 rather than through a computer-readable storage medium.

[0083] The processor 420 or other processing circuitry may be configured to execute instructions of a computer program by performing arithmetic, logical, and input / output operations of the system. Instructions may be provided to the processor 420 by the memory 440.

[0084] The various communication interfaces 460 may be wired and may include components that interface the processor 420 with other input / output components. As will be appreciated, the various interfaces 460 and the programs stored in the memory 440 to describe the dedicated functions of the network node will vary depending on the implementation of the network node.

[0085] The interface 460 may also include one or more user input devices (eg, a keyboard, keypad, mouse, etc.) and user output devices (eg, a display, speaker, etc.).

[0086] Terms such as "first," "second," and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0087] When an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be construed in a similar manner (e.g., "between," "directly between," "adjacent," "directly adjacent," etc.).

[0088] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0089] Also, in some alternative implementations, the functions / acts described may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently or may even be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions / acts involved.

[0090] In the following description, specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, systems may be shown in block diagrams so as not to obscure the exemplary embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known processes, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the exemplary embodiments.

[0091] As described herein, exemplary embodiments are described with reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations (e.g., in the form of flowcharts, flow diagrams, data flow diagrams, structure diagrams, block diagrams, etc.) that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types, and that may be configured using existing hardware in, for example, existing network nodes, BNGs, servers, ANs, CPEs, routers, or other network elements and / or hardware. Such existing hardware may be processing or control circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more controllers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more systems-on-chips (SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other device or devices capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner.

[0092] While a flowchart may describe operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel, simultaneously, or concurrently. Additionally, the order of operations may be rearranged. A process may be terminated when its operations are completed, but may have additional steps not included in the figures. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination may correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[0093] As disclosed herein, the terms "storage medium," "computer-readable storage medium," or "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium" may refer to one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and / or other tangible, machine-readable media for storing information. The term "computer-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0094] Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium, such as a computer-readable storage medium. When configured in software, one or more processors perform the necessary tasks. For example, as described above, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, at least one memory may include or store computer program code, and the at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to cause at least one processor to perform the necessary tasks in a network element or network device. Furthermore, the processor, memory, and exemplary algorithms may be encoded as computer program code and act as means for providing or causing the execution of the operations discussed herein.

[0095] A code segment of computer program code may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. can be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable techniques including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

[0096] As used herein, the terms "including" and / or "having" are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. Terms derived from the term "indicate" (e.g., "indicate" and "indicate") are intended to encompass all various techniques available for communicating or referencing the object / information being designated. Non-exhaustive examples of techniques available for communicating or referencing the object / information being designated include: conveying the object / information being designated, conveying an identifier for the object / information being designated, conveying information used to generate the object / information being designated, conveying a part or portion of the object / information being designated, conveying a derivative of the object / information being designated, conveying a symbol representing the object / information being designated, etc.

[0097] According to example embodiments, a network node, BNG, server, AN, CPE, router, or other network element may be (or may include) hardware, firmware, hardware executing software, or any combination thereof. Such hardware may include, but is not limited to, one or more processors, one or more CPUs, one or more controllers, one or more ALUs, one or more DSPs, one or more microcomputers, one or more FPGAs, one or more SoCs, one or more PLUs, one or more microprocessors, one or more ASICs, etc., processing or control circuitry, or any other device(s) capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner.

[0098] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments of the invention. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that cause or may bring about such benefits, advantages, or solutions, or that may make such benefits, advantages, or solutions more significant, should not be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for network access by a subscriber in a control and user plane split architecture, comprising: establishing a Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) session at an aggregation gateway function to program a set of packet forwarding rules for forwarding data traffic, the set of packet forwarding rules associating the subscriber with at least a first subscriber group, the first subscriber group including a first set of Quality of Service (QoS) parameters shared between the subscriber and one or more additional subscribers; and facilitating network access by the subscriber in accordance with the first set of QoS parameters; the first set of QoS parameters is defined by a first quality of service enforcement rule (QER); the first QER defines a parent QER for achieving a hierarchical QoS; The method of claim 1, wherein the parent QER defines a second set of QoS parameters for a second subscriber group at a congestion point upstream of the first subscriber group.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first QER defines a first set of the QoS parameters for an access node (AN) of the network, and the parent QER defines a second set of QoS parameters for a broadband network gateway (BNG) of the network.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the subscriber is associated with the first subscriber group and a second subscriber group that includes a second set of the QoS parameters defined by the parent QER.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of QoS parameters includes at least one of a rate or a scheduler.

5. 1. A network element for network access by a subscriber in a control and user plane split architecture, comprising: at least one processor; At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the network element to: establishing a Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) session to program a set of packet forwarding rules for forwarding data traffic, the set of packet forwarding rules associating the subscriber with at least a first subscriber group, the first subscriber group including a first set of Quality of Service (QoS) parameters shared between the subscriber and one or more additional subscribers; and facilitating network access by the subscriber in accordance with the first set of QoS parameters; the first set of QoS parameters is defined by a first quality of service enforcement rule (QER); the first QER defines a parent QER for achieving a hierarchical QoS; The network element, wherein the parent QER defines a second set of QoS parameters for a second group of subscribers at a congestion point upstream of the first group of subscribers.

6. 6. The network element of claim 5, wherein the first QER defines a first set of the QoS parameters for an access node (AN) of the network, and the parent QER defines a second set of QoS parameters for a broadband network gateway (BNG) of the network.

7. 7. The network element of claim 6, wherein the subscriber is associated with the first subscriber group and a second subscriber group that includes a second set of the QoS parameters defined by the parent QER.

8. 6. The network element of claim 5, wherein the first set of QoS parameters includes at least one of a rate or a scheduler.

9. 1. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor in a network element in a control and user plane split architecture, cause the network element to perform a method for network access by a subscriber, the method comprising: programming, in an aggregation gateway function, a set of packet forwarding rules for establishing a Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) session and forwarding data traffic, the set of packet forwarding rules associating the subscriber with at least a first subscriber group, the first subscriber group including a first set of Quality of Service (QoS) parameters shared between the subscriber and one or more additional subscribers; and facilitating network access by the subscriber in accordance with the first set of QoS parameters; the first set of QoS parameters is defined by a first quality of service enforcement rule (QER); 1. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, comprising: a first QER defining a parent QER for achieving a hierarchical QoS; and a second set of QoS parameters for a second subscriber group at a congestion point upstream of the first subscriber group.

10. 10. The computer-readable non-transitory storage medium of claim 9, wherein the first QER defines a first set of the QoS parameters for an access node (AN) of the network, and the parent QER defines a second set of QoS parameters for a broadband network gateway (BNG) of the network.

11. 11. The computer-readable non-transitory storage medium of claim 10, wherein the subscriber is associated with the first subscriber group and a second subscriber group that includes a second set of the QoS parameters defined by the parent QER.

12. 10. The computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium of claim 9, wherein the first set of QoS parameters includes at least one of a rate or a scheduler.

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