Adaptive Traffic Steering in 5G UE and Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G ATSSS feature has static steering modes that limit the ability of UE to dynamically adapt traffic between 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses, leading to sub-optimal system performance when UE makes autonomous traffic steering decisions without network communication, and there is a need for improved mechanisms to exchange performance measurements for adaptive traffic steering.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of adaptive traffic steering capabilities that allow UE and network to dynamically adjust traffic steering based on internal conditions and performance measurements, with enhanced communication mechanisms using control plane and user plane signaling to ensure coordination between UE and network for efficient traffic adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static steering modes are used in existing 5G ATSSS feature, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as UE cannot dynamically adapt traffic between 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic steering by enabling UE to autonomously adapt traffic distribution between 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses based on real-time performance measurements. The system transitions from static pre-configured steering modes to dynamic adaptation where UE can adjust traffic splitting ratios, switch active access, and modify steering decisions continuously based on measured conditions such as throughput, latency, and packet loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where UE performs autonomous measurements of access network performance and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust traffic steering decisions. The UE measures performance metrics on both 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses, compares these measurements against thresholds or historical data, and accordingly modifies traffic distribution without requiring continuous network intervention.
2Loss of time
If UE makes autonomous traffic steering decisions without network communication, then adaptability is improved and response time is reduced, but loss of information increases as performance measurements cannot be exchanged with network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables UE to perform preliminary autonomous measurements and evaluate access network conditions before making traffic steering decisions. UE proactively measures performance metrics on available accesses, pre-assesses the quality of 3GPP and non-3GPP connections, and prepares steering decisions based on these preliminary assessments without waiting for network directives, thereby reducing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service capability where UE autonomously performs performance measurements, evaluates access conditions, and makes traffic steering decisions independently without requiring continuous network control. The UE serves itself by autonomously adapting traffic distribution based on its own measurements and assessments, reducing dependency on network signaling while maintaining effective traffic management.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment, (UE) and a network may communicate to dynamically adapt the steering of traffic over both 3 GPP and non-3GPP accesses for uplink, downlink, or both. For example, a UE may request from the network the ability to dynamically adapt uplink traffic and the network may also apply the same traffic adaptation on downlink traffic. The UE and network may communicate dynamic traffic adaptation using traffic steering rules, e.g., via control plane NAS protocol, and with user plane signalling, e.g., via user plane PMF protocol.