5G-NSA Bitrate Control via Secondary RAT Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G-NSA networks, there is a lack of insight into whether User Equipment (UE) is connected to a 4G eNB or a 5G gNB, leading to inefficient resource utilization and unwanted consumption of backhaul resources, as the core network is unaware of the actual Radio Access Technology (RAT) serving the UE, resulting in inappropriate bitrate allocation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Secondary RAT Data Usage Report mechanism that triggers a bearer-specific timer to determine if a UE is served by a 5G RAT, and if not, locally limiting the Aggregate Maximum Bitrate (AMBR) to 4G theoretical maximum bitrates, and using a 'Not served by NR' cause code for Guaranteed Bitrate (GBR) bearer creation failures to inform the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) and Application Function (AF) to adjust bitrates accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the core network allocates 5G bitrates to User Equipment (UE) without knowing the actual RAT connection status, then 5G throughput capabilities can be utilized, but backhaul resources are unnecessarily consumed when UE is actually connected to 4G eNB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the Master Node (4G eNB) reports UE connection status and data usage information to the Secondary Node (5G gNB). This feedback loop enables the network to dynamically adjust bitrate allocation based on actual RAT connection status, preventing unnecessary backhaul resource consumption when UE is connected to 4G while maintaining 5G throughput capabilities when UE is connected to 5G.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the bitrate allocation parameter based on the UE's actual RAT connection status. When the UE is determined to be connected to 4G eNB, the allocated bitrate is reduced to 4G-appropriate levels. When UE is connected to 5G gNB, the full 5G bitrate allocation is applied. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by matching resource allocation to actual network capabilities.
2Device complexity
If the core network is unaware of whether UE is connected to 4G eNB or 5G gNB, then routing decisions can be made without complex information, but inappropriate bitrate allocation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the Master Node (4G eNB) as an intermediary that has direct knowledge of UE connection status and acts as a reporter to the Secondary Node (5G gNB). The Master Node provides the missing information about UE-RAT connection status without requiring the core network to directly monitor or manage this information, thus maintaining low core network complexity while achieving accurate bitrate allocation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If 5G AMBR is negotiated without verifying UE connection to 5G RAT, then 5G service capabilities are available, but resource utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bitrate adjustment based on real-time UE connection status monitoring. The system continuously monitors whether UE is connected to 5G RAT through feedback from the Master Node and dynamically adjusts the AMBR allocation accordingly. This dynamic approach maintains 5G service availability when needed while optimizing resource utilization by reducing allocations when UE is on 4G, resolving the contradiction between service availability and resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are technologies for optimally utilizing 5G-NSA network resources via an Aggregate Maximum Bitrate (AMBR) feedback mechanism. A User Equipment (UE) is registered with a 5G-NSA network environment and a 5G AMBR is negotiated. A bearer-specific timer is triggered in response to detecting one or more data flows to the UE. Next, a Secondary Radio Access Technology (RAT) Data Usage Report is monitored for. In response to the bearer-specific timer expiring without a Secondary RAT Data Usage Report being received, it is determined that the UE is not currently being served by a 5G RAT. Subsequently, local rate limiting is performed to reduce the negotiated 5G AMBR to a limited AMBR having a lower bitrate than the negotiated 5G AMBR. The UE connection to the 5G-NSA network environment is then configured with the limited AMBR.