Dynamic Redundant PDU Session Switching for Radio Resource Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G communication systems face inefficiencies in managing redundant protocol data unit (PDU) sessions, leading to potential radio interference and unnecessary resource usage due to static and blind support of redundant paths, which can impact reliability and network performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that dynamically manage redundant PDU sessions by configuring switching patterns based on network status and radio resource availability, allowing flexible intervention at the PDU session and RAN levels to optimize redundancy and resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If redundant PDU sessions are statically supported to ensure high reliability, then transmission reliability is improved, but radio interference and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidresource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between redundant and non-redundant transmission modes based on real-time network conditions. The core network node determines switching patterns that adapt the redundancy level according to current radio resource availability and network status, transforming the static redundant transmission into a dynamic system that adjusts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of transmission redundancy from a fixed state to a variable state by introducing switching patterns. These patterns allow the system to modify the degree of redundancy (from full redundancy to no redundancy) based on network conditions, effectively using parameter changes to resolve the contradiction between reliability and resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If redundant PDU sessions are statically supported, then transmission reliability is improved, but radio interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidradio interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the redundancy configuration dynamic by introducing switching patterns that adapt to real-time network conditions. When network conditions are good, the system can reduce or eliminate redundancy, thereby reducing radio interference. When conditions deteriorate, redundancy is increased to maintain reliability, thus dynamically balancing reliability and interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the core network node monitors network status and radio resource availability, then determines appropriate switching patterns accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to respond to changing conditions and adjust redundancy levels to minimize radio interference while maintaining required reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If redundant transmission is enabled for all QoS flows, then transmission reliability is improved, but network resource utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different redundancy configurations to different QoS flows based on their specific requirements and current network conditions. Instead of uniformly enabling redundancy for all flows, the system selectively applies redundancy where needed and reduces it where not necessary, optimizing overall network resource utilization while maintaining reliability for critical flows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of redundancy parameters for different QoS flows based on network status. The core network node can modify the degree of redundancy for specific flows according to real-time conditions, allowing the system to optimize resource utilization by reducing redundancy for non-critical flows while maintaining it for essential services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3925265B1Method and apparatus for handling redundant protocol data unit sessions in a communication system
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3925265B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3925265B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3925265B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, apparatus and computer program product establish at least two redundant protocol data unit sessions to at least one user equipment. The at least two redundant protocol data unit sessions are established based on dual connectivity in a radio access network. The method, apparatus and computer program product collect network status information related to the at least two redundant protocol data unit sessions. The method, apparatus and computer program product configure a set of protocol data unit session switching patterns for the at least two redundant protocol data unit sessions based on the real-time network status information.