5GS TSC Configuration via Application Function Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5GS systems face challenges in dynamically configuring Time Sensitive Communications (TSC) for flexible services like Video, Imaging, and Audio for Professional Applications (VIAPA), as they are limited by static centralized models that do not account for Radio Access Network (RAN) constraints, leading to suboptimal performance and increased costs due to misalignment of transmission intervals and resource inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow the Application Function (AF) to receive performance requirements from sources and determine Quality of Service (QoS) and TSC configuration parameters based on network and RAN resource constraints, enabling dynamic negotiation and alignment of transmission characteristics such as periodicity and latency to optimize resource utilization and service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fully centralized TSN model is used where the 5GS acts as a bridge reporting to a Centralized Network Controller (CNC), then the system provides deterministic traffic support with centralized configuration, but the system lacks flexibility to adapt to dynamic RAN constraints and cannot directly interface with applications for optimized configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static centralized TSN model to a dynamic architecture where the 5GS can operate in multiple modes (centralized TSN, distributed TSN, or hybrid). The system dynamically adapts its configuration approach based on RAN constraints and service requirements, allowing the 5GS to directly interface with applications when needed while maintaining compatibility with centralized TSN operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces new parameters and configuration options that allow the 5GS to modify its operational characteristics. Specifically, it enables the 5GS to change how it handles TSC configuration parameters (such as gate schedules, periodicity, and latency) based on whether it is operating in centralized or distributed mode, and to adjust these parameters to align with RAN constraints.
2Device complexity
If the 5GS operates in a static centralized model with limited information about end-user flows, then the system architecture is simplified, but the transmission intervals become misaligned with RAN constraints leading to suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration authority by allowing different parts of the system to handle different aspects of TSC configuration. The CNC retains authority for centralized TSN parameters, while the 5GS gains authority to configure parameters specific to its air-interface (such as BAT and periodicity) based on direct application information and RAN constraints, avoiding the need for complete architectural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where the 5GS receives information about application requirements and RAN constraints, uses this information to optimize its configuration parameters, and continuously monitors performance to make adjustments. This feedback mechanism enables the system to improve resource utilization without requiring complex pre-planning or static configurations.
3Reliability
If the 5GS has no control over TSC configuration parameters such as Burst Arrival Time (BAT) and periodicity, then the centralized control is maintained, but the parameters cannot be aligned with transmission constraints in the Radio Access Network (RAN)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing the 5GS to have specialized control over parameters specific to its local context (air-interface parameters like BAT and periodicity) while maintaining centralized control over broader TSN parameters. This enables the 5GS to optimize transmission timing to align with RAN constraints without compromising the overall centralized TSC architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided herein to receive, from a source, performance requirements, and cause transmission, to a network, of a request to influence time sensitive communications (TSC) configuration parameters. For example, a method is provided to in response to the request to influence TSC configuration, receive, from the network, network configuration and radio access network (RAN) resource constraints and determine a quality of service (QoS) and the TSC configuration parameters to support a TSC data stream based on the performance requirements received from the source, the network configuration, and the RAN resource constraints. The method is further configured to cause transmission of the determined QoS and the TSC configuration parameters to the network and the source and in an instance the network accepts the determined QoS and the TSC configuration parameters, configure resources for the TSC data stream and continuously support service continuity.