Dynamic Content Flow Mapping to Radio Bearers in 5G Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular radio communications networks face challenges in efficiently delivering high-data-rate content with low latency and high reliability, especially in scenarios with varying user numbers and diverse radio conditions, which are exacerbated by the limitations of traditional multicast/broadcast methods in 5G networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and network entity that dynamically map content flows to appropriate radio bearers based on downlink radio conditions and flow properties, allowing for flexible switching between unicast, multicast, and broadcast modes to optimize data delivery, prioritizing unicast for high-priority traffic and multicast/broadcast for low-priority traffic, and using beam-based systems to enhance coverage and connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional multicast/broadcast methods are used for content delivery, then network resource utilization is improved, but data rate and latency performance deteriorate for high-priority traffic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoiddata rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mapping of content flows to radio bearers based on real-time radio conditions and flow properties. The network entity continuously monitors downlink radio conditions and adjusts the mapping between content flows and radio bearers (unicast, multicast, or broadcast) dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions and prioritize high-data-rate traffic when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the delivery mode parameter (unicast/multicast/broadcast) based on radio conditions and flow properties. By modifying the delivery mechanism parameter dynamically, the system can achieve high data rates for priority traffic through unicast while maintaining efficient resource utilization through multicast/broadcast for other traffic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If unicast delivery is used for all content flows, then data rate and reliability are improved, but network resource utilization and latency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different delivery modes (unicast, multicast, broadcast) to different content flows based on their specific properties and radio conditions. Instead of using a single uniform delivery method, the system tailors the delivery quality and method to each local situation, ensuring high reliability for priority flows while optimizing resource utilization for other flows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects between unicast, multicast, and broadcast modes based on real-time radio conditions and flow properties. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high reliability when needed while improving resource utilization by switching to more efficient multicast/broadcast modes when conditions permit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If multicast/broadcast is used for content delivery, then network resource utilization is improved, but latency and jitter increase for time-sensitive traffic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the delivery mode parameter based on flow properties including latency requirements. By modifying this parameter dynamically, the system can allocate low-latency traffic to unicast channels while maintaining efficient resource utilization through multicast/broadcast for non-time-sensitive traffic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic mapping between content flows and radio bearers is implemented, then adaptability and resource efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery mode flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork entity complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network entity continuously monitors downlink radio conditions and uses this information to dynamically adjust the mapping between content flows and radio bearers. This feedback-driven approach enables adaptability while keeping the decision-making process systematic and manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3677087B1Method for operating a network entity for a cellular radio communications network and network entity for a cellular radio communications network

Publication Date: 2023.03.15 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

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AI summary

A method for operating a network entity (gNB) for a cellular radio access network (RCN) is proposed, the method comprising: determining at least one downlink radio condition of the cellular radio access network (RCN); determining user equipments subscribing to a content flow (HPF-1; HPF-2; LPF-1; LPF-2), wherein the content flow (HPF-1; HPF-2; LPF-1; LPF-2) is associated with at least one flow property; mapping the content flow (HPF-1; HPF-2; LPF-1; LPF-2) to at least one radio bearer in dependence on the at least one downlink radio condition and in dependence on the at least one flow property; receiving the content flow (HPF-1; HPF-2; LPF-1; LPF-2); and transmitting the content flow (HPF-1; HPF-2; LPF-1; LPF-2) according to the determined at least one mapping to the subscribing user equipments.