Dynamic Anchor Point Selection for Low Latency Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio access network and transport network systems fail to maintain low latency and optimal service characteristics when user equipment changes cells, as they do not dynamically adjust the anchor point for data packet flows based on changing network conditions, leading to potential service degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a flow control entity determines changes in transmission conditions and identifies a new anchor point for data packet flows, informing a bearer control entity to adjust the anchor point, ensuring optimal service parameters like latency and packet loss are maintained by dynamically selecting the best performing gateway based on real-time network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the user plane serving node/anchor point remains the same when UE changes cell, then network configuration simplicity is maintained, but low latency for user plane cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic anchor point selection where the user plane serving node is changed based on real-time transmission conditions. When UE changes cell and transmission conditions deteriorate, the system dynamically selects a new anchor point closer to the UE's current location, transforming the static network configuration into an adaptive system that responds to changing network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the anchor point parameter (user plane serving node) based on transmission condition parameters such as latency measurements. This parameter change allows the network to optimize performance by selecting different anchor points depending on the current transmission conditions and UE location.
2Ease of operation
If static DNS FQDN lists are used for gateway selection, then selection process is simple, but network characteristics like latency are not taken into account
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where transmission conditions (latency, packet loss) are measured and fed back to the anchor point selection process. The flow control entity monitors transmission conditions and uses this feedback to determine when and which anchor point to select, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-optimization by automatically monitoring transmission conditions and selecting appropriate anchor points without manual intervention. The network autonomously adjusts the user plane serving node based on measured performance metrics, enabling self-service optimization of service characteristics.
3Productivity
If UE is moved to a new transport segment by RTI, then transport optimization is achieved, but latency for latency critical applications may increase due to same gateway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by selecting anchor points based on their local characteristics and proximity to the UE. Different parts of the network (different gateways/anchor points) are optimized for different local conditions, with the system selecting the most appropriate anchor point for the UE's current location and transmission conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a method for operating a flow control entity (100) configured to control a data packet flow in a radio access network and a transport network of a communications network. It is determined that a transmission condition for the data packet flow through the communications network has changed, and determined through which radio access node (500) the data packet flow is transmitted. A new anchor point (750) for the data packet flow is determined in dependence on the radio access node (500), and a bearer control entity (200) is informed about the new anchor point (750).