ATSSS Rule Table for 5G Uplink Data Flow Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication systems, there is no established method for efficiently distributing data flows across multiple access networks, leading to inefficiencies when switching or splitting data traffic between different access technologies, such as 3GPP and Non-3GPP networks, and no effective way to steer uplink data traffic between them.
Innovation Solution
A UE maintains an ATSSS rule table to select and create Multiple Access PDU sessions across different access networks, using steering modes like active-standby, priority-based, best access, redundant, and load-balance to distribute uplink data flows efficiently, allowing simultaneous connection to multiple networks and switching or splitting data traffic based on network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE establishes separate PDU sessions for different access networks (3GPP and Non-3GPP), then the UE can connect to multiple networks simultaneously, but there is no established method to efficiently distribute or steer data flows between these access networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) rule table as an intermediary mechanism. This table stores routing rules that guide the UE on how to distribute uplink data flows across different access networks (3GPP and Non-3GPP). The ATSSS rule table acts as a mediator between the multiple PDU sessions established on different access networks, providing structured guidance for data flow distribution without requiring complex real-time decisions.
2Reliability
If the UE uses multiple PDU sessions on different access networks, then network connectivity is improved, but the complexity of managing and selecting which PDU session to use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the ATSSS rule table with routing rules before data transmission begins. These rules are established in advance based on network conditions, service requirements, and access network characteristics. When uplink data needs to be transmitted, the UE simply queries the pre-configured ATSSS rule table to determine which PDU session to use, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making and reducing management complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE establishes PDU sessions for both 3GPP and Non-3GPP access networks, then access versatility is improved, but there is no effective way to steer uplink data traffic between them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors the status and performance of different access networks (3GPP and Non-3GPP) and updates the ATSSS rule table accordingly. The routing rules in the ATSSS table are dynamically adjusted based on feedback about network conditions, service requirements, and transmission performance. This feedback loop enables the UE to steer uplink data traffic efficiently by selecting the most appropriate access network based on current conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an aspect, the disclosure provides a method for distributing uplink data flow between different access networks in a 5G communication system. The method would include not limited to maintaining an ATSSS rules table; receiving a request to establish an uplink data flow to a DN; determining from the ATSSS rule table whether the DN is in the ATSSS rule table in response to receiving the request to establish the uplink data flow to the DN; selecting a first PDU session from the ATSSS rule table for the uplink data flow to the DN in response to having been determined that the DN is in the ATSSS rule table; and creating a second PDU session for the uplink data flow to the DN and recording the second PDU session in the ATSSS rule table in response to having been determined that the DN is not in the ATSSS rule table.