AF Node Session Prioritization for Beam Interference Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular communication systems, particularly in local networks, struggle to protect critical communications from interference due to beamforming, as conventional QoS and network slicing methods fail to adequately address interference between beams, leading to potential communication failures in high-priority applications.
Innovation Solution
An application function node (AF node) is introduced to acquire PDU session information from a UDM node, determining which sessions to maintain and which to terminate based on session importance, thereby reducing interference and protecting critical communications by requesting the release of non-critical sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beamforming is performed by a plurality of base station devices, then communication coverage and capacity are improved, but interference between beams occurs which may hinder high priority communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating nulls (interference suppression zones) in specific directions where low priority communications occur, while maintaining beam quality in directions where high priority communications occur. This allows different spatial regions to have different interference characteristics, protecting critical communications locally while maintaining overall system capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the interference management approach by treating different PDU sessions differently based on their priority levels. Instead of symmetric interference suppression for all communications, the system creates asymmetric null patterns that selectively suppress interference from low priority sessions while preserving high priority session quality.
2Reliability
If nulls are oriented in directions of low priority communication to suppress interference, then low priority communication is protected, but high priority communication may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the application function node continuously monitors the quality and priority status of multiple PDU sessions. Based on this feedback information, the system dynamically adjusts null orientations and interference suppression levels to ensure high priority communications are never hindered while still providing protection to low priority communications when resources are available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts interference suppression strategies based on real-time communication conditions and priority levels. The null patterns and their orientations are not fixed but adapt continuously to changing traffic conditions, ensuring that high priority communications receive preferential treatment while low priority communications receive protection only when it does not conflict with high priority sessions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional QoS and network slicing methods are used, then basic quality of service is maintained, but interference between beams in local networks is not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an application function node as an intermediary between the radio access network and the core network. This intermediary collects session information from multiple sources, determines priority levels, and coordinates interference suppression actions across base station devices. The application function node acts as a mediator that reconciles the needs of multiple PDU sessions while ensuring critical communications receive adequate interference protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The application function node performs multiple functions including session information collection, priority determination, interference assessment, and coordination of interference suppression actions. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized functions, making the system easier to operate while providing comprehensive interference protection for critical communications.
Data Source
AI summary
An application function node (10) includes a control unit (13). The control unit (13) acquires session information regarding a PDU session from a UDM node (30), determines, from a plurality of the PDU sessions, a first PDU session for maintaining communication and a second PDU session for stopping communication based on the session information, and requests to stop communication in the determined second PDU session.