ATSSS Rule Validity Criteria for Reliable 5G Traffic Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for applying validity criteria in Access Traffic Steering, Switching & Splitting (ATSSS) rules in 5G networks are not well-defined, particularly for User Equipments (UEs) and User Plane Functions (UPFs, leading to unclear handling of traffic when validity criteria are not met.
Innovation Solution
A method for User Equipments (UEs) to transmit capability information related to supporting ATSSS rules to a Session Management Function (SMF) node, receive and apply ATSSS rules, and for SMF nodes to transmit these rules to UEs, ensuring valid traffic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ATSSS rules are applied without clear validity criteria, then traffic control flexibility is improved, but network reliability deteriorates due to undefined handling of invalid rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces validity criteria as additional parameters for ATSSS rules, transforming the rule structure to include validity conditions. This allows the network to dynamically change rule parameters based on UE capability information, ensuring that only valid and appropriate rules are applied, thus maintaining both flexibility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary validation by having the network determine and communicate validity criteria to the UE before ATSSS rules are applied. This preliminary action ensures that the UE can properly evaluate and handle rules, preventing undefined behavior and improving network reliability while maintaining control flexibility.
2Reliability
If validity criteria are enforced for ATSSS rules, then network control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional capability information handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism where the network (SMF) acts as a mediator by determining validity criteria and communicating them to the UE. This intermediary approach centralizes the complexity of validity determination in the network side, reducing the burden on UE implementation while ensuring reliable rule application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ATSSS rule handling process into distinct components: rule reception, validity criterion evaluation, and rule application. By dividing the complexity into manageable segments with clear interfaces, the system maintains reliability without overwhelming device complexity, as each component handles a specific aspect of the validation process.
3Measurement precision
If UE transmits capability information to SMF, then traffic control precision is improved, but information transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential capability information related to ATSSS rule validity from the UE and transmits it to the SMF. By taking out only the necessary information elements required for validity determination, the system achieves precise traffic control without unnecessary information overhead, optimizing the balance between precision and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in one embodiment of the present specification is a method by which a UE performs communication related to traffic control. The method may comprise steps in which: the UE transmits, to an SMF node, capability information related to supporting validity criteria for ATSSS rules; the UE receives one or more ATSSS rules from the SMF node; and the UE applies the one or more ATSSS rules.