ATSSS Traffic Steering Using RAN Measurements for Low-Latency 5G

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G systems struggle to efficiently distribute traffic across 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, leading to suboptimal user experience and inefficient radio resource usage, particularly for latency-sensitive applications like AR/VR and cloud gaming.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating RAN measurements to dynamically adjust traffic distribution across 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks using new steering modes, including Load-Balancing, Priority-based, and Dynamic traffic steering, based on real-time performance metrics such as rate and latency, enabling proactive management of traffic flows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traffic distribution is determined without RAN measurements, then system complexity is reduced, but radio resource usage efficiency deteriorates and user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidradio resource usage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where RAN measurements (radio link quality, delay statistics) are continuously collected and fed back to the 5G system to dynamically adjust traffic distribution decisions, enabling data-driven optimization of radio resource allocation across 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static traffic distribution to dynamic steering by incorporating real-time RAN measurements, allowing the 5G system to adaptively adjust traffic routing decisions based on current radio conditions, improving resource efficiency without requiring overly complex predetermined rules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If traffic distribution is determined without RAN measurements, then measurement and monitoring overhead is reduced, but latency performance deteriorates for latency-sensitive applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement and monitoring overheadVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary RAN measurements and collects radio link quality information in advance before traffic steering decisions are needed, enabling proactive traffic distribution adjustments that prevent latency issues before they occur rather than reacting after degradation happens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Real-time feedback loops continuously monitor RAN performance metrics and immediately adjust traffic routing in response to changing conditions, ensuring latency-sensitive traffic is dynamically steered away from degrading links before excessive delay occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If multiple UEs are considered for traffic distribution, then network-wise radio usage efficiency is improved, but decision complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork-wise radio usage efficiencyVSAvoiddecision complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the traffic distribution decisions for multiple UEs into a unified optimization process, where the 5G system collectively allocates radio resources across all active UEs to maximize overall network efficiency rather than making independent decisions for each UE, thereby improving total radio usage efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12532220B2Wireless local area network enhancements for access traffic steering switching splitting

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Some embodiments may relate to incorporating RAN measurements when determining traffic distribution for access traffic steering switching splitting (ATSSS) systems. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.