Downlink QoS Flow Mapping Across Split 5G RAN Bearers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the 5G system, due to the separation of control plane and user plane in the radio access network, downlink data packets for QoS flows not mapped to any DRB or only mapped to default DRBs cannot be effectively transmitted, leading to a failure in meeting QoS requirements.
Innovation Solution
A data processing method and apparatus that involves a first network element in the radio access network receiving downlink data packets and sending interface messages to a second network element to determine and map the data flow to a target bearer, ensuring proper transmission by updating configuration information and addresses for the target bearer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the number of DRB IDs is limited, then the system complexity is reduced, but the QoS flow mapping capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bearer identification space by introducing two-level mapping: QoS flow ID to DRB ID mapping, and GTP tunnel ID to DRB ID mapping. This segmentation allows the system to handle more QoS flows than the limited number of DRB IDs would normally permit, resolving the contradiction between limited identifiers and mapping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces GTP tunnel IDs as intermediary identifiers that bridge the gap between limited DRB IDs and the need to identify multiple QoS flows. The GTP tunnel ID acts as a mediator that carries additional identification information without requiring additional DRB IDs, thus maintaining system simplicity while enhancing mapping capability.
2Device complexity
If DRB establishment is insufficient due to limited DRB IDs, then the device complexity is reduced, but the data transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes GTP tunnel contexts and QoS flow to GTP tunnel mappings in advance before actual data transmission occurs. This preliminary setup ensures that when data needs to be transmitted, the appropriate bearer mapping is already in place, preventing transmission failures and ensuring reliability without requiring complex real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network device monitors the mapping status of QoS flows to bearers and dynamically adjusts mappings based on transmission needs. This feedback loop ensures that data transmission reliability is maintained by correcting any mapping issues that arise, without requiring a complete reconfiguration of the bearer structure.
3Ease of operation
If QoS flows are not mapped to appropriate bearers, then the system operation is simplified, but the service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically perform QoS flow to bearer mapping without requiring manual intervention. The network device autonomously manages the mapping relationships based on QoS requirements and available bearers, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring that service quality requirements are met through automated decision-making and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing method and apparatus, a network device, a storage medium and a program product. The method is applied to a first network element in a radio access network, and includes: receiving a downlink data packet, where the downlink data packet includes downlink user data and an identifier of a data flow to which the downlink user data belongs; and transmitting a first interface message to a second network element in the radio access network, where the first interface message includes the identifier of the data flow, and the first interface message is used for determining a target bearer to which the data flow is mapped.