5G Multicast Policy Control for Consistent QoS Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G multicast-broadcast services lack effective mechanisms for quality of service (QoS) level support, particularly in managing different QoS requirements for multicast and broadcast communication services, with unclear roles for network functions in determining and enforcing QoS levels.
Innovation Solution
Implement a policy control function (PCF) selection and association mechanism, utilizing a binding support function (BSF) to manage PCF assignments and policy control associations, ensuring a single PCF is designated for each multicast session, and enabling communication between application functions (AF) and NEF to provide QoS inputs to the PCF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a policy control function is implemented for 5G multicast-broadcast services, then QoS management capability is improved, but network function complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Policy Control Function (PCF) as an intermediary network element that mediates between the core network and multicast-broadcast services. The PCF receives QoS requirements from Application Functions, determines appropriate QoS levels, and enforces them through the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and gNBs. This intermediary structure improves QoS management capability while distributing complexity across multiple specialized functions rather than concentrating it in a single complex entity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If centralized policy control framework is established, then QoS policy consistency is improved, but control signal overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the Policy Control Function determine and establish QoS policies before multicast-broadcast service delivery begins. The PCF receives QoS inputs from Application Functions, makes policy decisions in advance, and configures the necessary network elements (AMF, gNBs) beforehand. This preliminary configuration reduces the need for frequent control signals during service delivery, as the QoS parameters are pre-established and can be maintained consistently throughout the broadcast session.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic QoS policy assignment is enabled, then service adaptability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic QoS policy assignment through the Policy Control Function, which can adapt QoS parameters based on real-time network conditions and service requirements. The PCF receives dynamic inputs from Application Functions and adjusts QoS levels, resource allocation, and priority parameters accordingly. The system enables dynamic modification of QoS policies during service delivery while maintaining consistent enforcement across the network, achieving both adaptability and timely response through the centralized control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products of policy control for 5G multicast-broadcast services (5MBS) are provided. One method may include, when a multicast distribution session begins, selecting, by an ingress node, a control node for the multicast distribution session. The method may also include attempting to establish a policy association for the multicast distribution session with the control node, receiving a failure reply from the control node for establishing the policy association including an identifier of an already assigned second control node, establishing a policy control association related to the multicast distribution session with the second control node, providing the identifier (ID) of the multicast distribution session to the second control node, and receiving policies related to the multicast distribution session from the second control node.