ATSSS Service Steering Across Multiple 3GPP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP 5G NR releases only support Access Traffic Steering, Switching & Splitting (ATSSS) across 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, limiting network flexibility and efficiency, particularly for intra-operator scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Implementing ATSSS with Multi-Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (MUSIM) capabilities in 3GPP NR Release 18 to enable seamless traffic steering across two 3GPP networks using Multipath Transmission Control Protocol (MPTCP) or Multipath Quick User Datagram Protocol (MPQUIC), allowing enhanced network access with increased capacity, reduced latency, and improved cell edge performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ATSSS is implemented across 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks only, then network compatibility is maintained, but network flexibility and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends ATSSS functionality to support multiple 3GPP access networks (e.g., 5G NR and 4G E-UTRAN) in addition to non-3GPP networks, making the system universal across different access network types. This allows a single ATSSS framework to handle traffic steering across diverse networks without requiring separate mechanisms, thereby improving network flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ATSSS is extended to multiple 3GPP access networks, then network access flexibility is improved, but traffic routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic routing decisions into distinct ATSSS rules that can be independently configured and applied. Each rule handles specific traffic flows or services, allowing complex multi-network routing to be broken down into manageable, modular decision units. This segmentation enables flexible service mapping across multiple 3GPP networks while keeping individual routing decisions simple and tractable.
3Reliability
If single network access is used, then network configuration is simple, but network capacity and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access network connections (3GPP and non-3GPP) into a unified communication framework using MPTCP/MPQUIC. This combining approach allows simultaneous utilization of multiple network paths, improving reliability through diversity while the underlying merging mechanism abstracts the complexity of managing multiple connections, presenting a unified interface to applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method performed by a UE device that routes traffic to a 5G Core Network. The method includes receiving a first ATSSS rule including first traffic descriptor information corresponding to a first type of traffic for a first type of service and first steering mode information including a first network indicator corresponding to a first MNO, and a second ATSSS rule including second traffic descriptor information corresponding to a second type of traffic for a second type of service and second steering mode information including a second network indicator corresponding to a first MVNO or a second MNO; transmitting the first type of traffic for the first type of service a first 3GPP access network operated by the first MNO; and transmitting the second type of traffic for the second type of service to the first 3GPP access network operated by the first MNO.