5G Hold and Forward Buffer Configuration for Deterministic Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems, particularly in 3GPP Rel-16, face limitations in configuring hold and forward buffers for time-sensitive communications without relying on IEEE TSN protocols, especially when there is no centralized network controller or layer 2 bridged network, leading to challenges in meeting deterministic latency requirements for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of hold and forward buffers in the 5G system is enabled through application function requests for time-sensitive communications quality of service parameters, using non-3GPP sources to determine parameters like burst arrival time and periodicity, allowing for the establishment of periodic deterministic data streams without relying on IEEE TSN protocols, and optimizing scheduling within the RAN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If centralized network controller (CNC) and IEEE TSN protocols are used to configure hold and forward buffers, then deterministic latency requirements can be met, but system complexity and dependency on external protocols increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deterministic latency configuration capability from the external IEEE TSN protocol dependency and centralized CNC, embedding it directly into the 5G RAN system through native QoS parameters and hold-and-forward buffer mechanisms, thereby reducing external dependencies while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the 5G QoS mechanism universal by enabling it to handle both traditional best-effort traffic and time-sensitive deterministic traffic through a unified QoS framework, eliminating the need for separate TSN protocol stacks and CNC infrastructure
2Reliability
If centralized network controller is deployed to manage TSN flows, then deterministic messaging can be achieved, but network infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the 5G RAN to self-configure deterministic traffic handling by using application function requests to directly program QoS parameters and hold-and-forward buffer settings in the user plane, eliminating the need for external centralized controllers while maintaining reliable deterministic messaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the user plane function as an intermediary that receives QoS configuration requests from application functions and directly translates them into RAN scheduling parameters and buffer settings, simplifying the network architecture by removing the centralized CNC while maintaining deterministic flow management
3Adaptability or versatility
If hold and forward buffers are configured without IEEE TSN protocols, then 5G system independence is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the configuration parameters from IEEE TSN protocol-specific settings to native 5G QoS parameters (5QI, packet delay budget, packet error rate, maximum data burst volume), making the system independent of external protocols while managing complexity through standardized 5G parameter sets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining QoS parameter sets and hold-and-forward buffer settings based on application requirements, allowing the RAN to automatically apply appropriate configurations without real-time complex calculations, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining system independence
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first embodiment, a method may include receiving at least one time sensitive communications (TSC) request from at least one application function (AF). The method may further include determining at least one hold and forward (HnF) parameter based on the at least one TSC request. The method may further include transmitting the at least one HnF parameter to at least one user equipment (UE).