DSCP to PPI Mapping for Paging Policy Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) protocol faces challenges in efficiently supporting Paging Policy Differentiation (PPD) due to the need to provision multiple DSCP codes and PPI values, leading to excessive provisioning of Packet Detection Rules (PDRs) and Quality of Service Enforcement Rules (QERs).
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method where the Session Management Function (SMF) determines the support for PPD by the User Plane Function (UPF) and sends a message to the UPF to insert a Paging Policy Indicator (PPI) value into outgoing packets based on a Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) value, using DSCP-to-PPI control information. This includes configuring DSCP-to-PPI mapping per PFCP session and using a timer to insert PPI values only after a period of inactivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the SMF provisions multiple DSCP codes and PPI values to support Paging Policy Differentiation, then the PPD functionality is fully supported, but the number of PDRs and QERs increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the DSCP detection and PPI insertion functions into a single PDR-QER association. Instead of provisioning separate PDRs for each DSCP code, the SMF configures the UPF with a single PDR that detects the DSCP field in incoming packets and an associated QER that inserts the corresponding PPI value, combining multiple functions into one streamlined rule set.
Solution Approach 2:
The UPF is designed to perform multiple functions within a single PDR-QER configuration: detecting DSCP values, mapping them to PPI values according to local configuration, and inserting the PPI into the GTP-U header. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate provisioning for each DSCP code while maintaining full PPD support.
2Productivity
If the SMF configures DSCP-to-PPI mapping tables in the UPF, then the PPI insertion is efficient, but the initial configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UPF is configured with local DSCP-to-PPI mapping tables that enable it to autonomously perform DSCP detection and PPI insertion without real-time SMF intervention. The UPF uses its locally stored mapping information to efficiently process packets, making the system self-sufficient for PPD operations while reducing signaling overhead.
3Reliability
If the UPF inserts PPI values for all outgoing packets, then the PPD feature is always active, but unnecessary processing occurs when the UE is in RRC connected state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of PPI insertion based on UE RRC state. The SMF receives RRC state information from the RAN and dynamically adjusts the UPF's PPI insertion behavior accordingly. When the UE is in RRC inactive or idle state, PPI insertion is activated; when in RRC connected state, PPI insertion is suspended, optimizing resource usage while maintaining reliability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for facilitating paging policy differentiation, performed by a Session Management Function (SMF) is provided. The method includes determining that a paging policy differentiation feature is supported by a User Plane Function (UPF) (325). The method includes sending, toward the UPF (325), a message instructing the UPF (325) to insert a Paging Policy Indicator (PPI) value (110) into downlink packets based on a Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) value (106). The message includes DSCP-to-PPI control information.