Direct QoS Reporting Path for Faster Application Function Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication systems, the existing method for obtaining Quality of Service (QoS) information involves a lengthy communication path between the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the Application Function (AF), leading to delayed adjustments at the application layer, particularly for services with high time sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A direct reporting mechanism is introduced where a Session Management Network Element receives QoS information from a User Plane Network Element and sends it directly to the Application Function, bypassing intermediate network elements, thereby reducing the transmission path and enabling quicker adjustments at the application layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the existing communication path (RAN->AMF->SMF->PCF->NEF->AF) is used to transmit QoS information, then the system maintains standard protocol compliance and proper routing, but the transmission path becomes excessively long causing large delays for time-sensitive services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes intermediate network elements (AMF, SMF, PCF, NEF) from the QoS information transmission path, creating a direct communication channel between RAN and AF. This extraction principle directly addresses the technical contradiction by eliminating unnecessary hops while maintaining essential routing functions through alternative mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the QoS information transmission into two independent parts: control plane signaling (retained through standard paths) and user plane data (directly routed). This segmentation allows the user plane to bypass intermediate elements while the control plane maintains protocol compliance, thereby reducing delay without sacrificing system integrity.
2Loss of time
If intermediate network elements (AMF, SMF, PCF, NEF) are removed from the QoS information path, then transmission delay is reduced, but the system loses policy control and QoS management capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a direct communication interface as an intermediary mechanism between RAN and AF, allowing QoS information to be transmitted without passing through traditional intermediate elements. This new intermediary maintains the essential function of information transfer while bypassing the complex chain of intermediaries, thus reducing delay while preserving reliability through direct accountability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a direct feedback loop between RAN and AF for QoS information transmission, eliminating the multi-hop feedback chain through AMF, SMF, PCF, and NEF. This direct feedback mechanism reduces transmission delay while maintaining system reliability by enabling the AF to immediately receive and respond to QoS changes without delays introduced by multiple intermediate processing stages.
3Speed
If a direct communication path between RAN and AF is established, then timeliness of QoS information is improved, but the system architecture becomes more complex requiring new interfaces and protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the QoS information transmission function into the existing direct interface between RAN and AF, combining control plane and user plane communications through a unified direct path. This merging eliminates the need for separate intermediate elements while maintaining comprehensive QoS management, thereby improving speed without proportionally increasing architecture complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal direct communication interface between RAN and AF that handles multiple functions including QoS information transmission, policy enforcement, and flow management. This multi-functional interface reduces the need for separate specialized elements, improving transmission speed while keeping the added architectural complexity manageable through consolidation of functions.
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4a
AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a report information sending method, a communication apparatus, and a communication system, to shorten a transmission path for reporting information, and reduce a processing delay of an application function network element. The report information sending method includes: A first session management network element receives first report information from a user plane network element, where the first report information includes first indication information and an identifier of a first alternative QoS profile, and the first indication information indicates that a QoS requirement of a first QoS flow cannot be guaranteed. The first session management network element sends second report information to an application function network element, where the second report information includes second indication information and an identifier of a first alternative service requirement, the identifier of the first alternative service requirement corresponds to the identifier of the first alternative QoS profile, the second indication information indicates that a QoS requirement of a first service data flow cannot be guaranteed, the first QoS flow is used to transmit the first service data flow, and the first service data flow is a service data flow of an application corresponding to the application function network element.