Dynamic UE Grouping for 5G QoS Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network systems lack dynamic UE group formation and policy management, leading to static group configurations that do not adapt to changing Quality of Service (QoS) needs, such as physical location or application usage, resulting in suboptimal network performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network function that dynamically groups User Equipment (UEs) based on context, such as location and service requirements, using Policy Control Function (PCF) and Application Function (AF) to select appropriate network settings and functions like Session Management Function (SMF) and User Plane Function (UPF), allowing UEs to join or leave groups as needed without reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static UE grouping is used in 5G network functions, then network configuration simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing QoS needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic UE grouping where UEs can be assigned to different groups based on real-time conditions such as location, service type, and QoS requirements. The network function continuously monitors UE context and dynamically updates group assignments, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions without manual reconfiguration. This resolves the contradiction by introducing dynamic behavior that improves adaptability while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the static group identifier parameter to a dynamic one that can vary based on UE context. Instead of a fixed group assignment, the system uses parameters such as location coordinates, service type codes, and priority levels to determine group membership. This parameter transformation enables the network to adapt to changing QoS needs by adjusting group assignments based on current UE state rather than predetermined configurations.
2Productivity
If static group identifiers are used, then network provisioning simplicity is maintained, but responsiveness to real-time needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network function continuously monitors UE context changes such as location updates, service type changes, and QoS requirements. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts group assignments to optimize network performance. This feedback loop enables rapid response to real-time needs while managing complexity through automated monitoring and adjustment processes that eliminate manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures multiple group identifiers and their associated policies in the network function before UEs arrive. When a UE connects, the system can immediately assign an appropriate pre-defined group based on initial conditions, avoiding delays associated with creating groups on-demand. This preliminary preparation of group configurations enables rapid network responsiveness while simplifying the actual assignment process through predefined templates rather than ad-hoc group creation.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic UE grouping is implemented, then network flexibility and user experience improve, but network function complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the network function automatically manages UE grouping without requiring manual network operator intervention. The system autonomously monitors UE context, makes grouping decisions based on predefined policies, and executes reconfiguration actions. This self-service capability improves operational flexibility by enabling rapid adaptation to changing conditions while managing complexity by automating what would otherwise be manual administrative tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network function into distinct modular components: a context monitoring module, a decision-making module that selects appropriate groups based on policies, and an execution module that applies group assignments. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of the complex grouping logic independently, making the overall system more manageable. The modular architecture reduces perceived complexity by dividing the complex task of dynamic grouping into smaller, well-defined functional units.
Data Source
AI summary
A network function selectively supports a mobile device with network settings appropriate for the device context of the mobile device. The network function obtains a device profile for the mobile device, which identifies multiple device groups, with each device group being associated with a corresponding set of network settings. The network function selects a device group among the device groups in the device profile based on a device context of the mobile device. Responsive to a notification of the mobile device in a different device context, the network function supports the mobile device with a different set of network settings that cause a Session Management Function (SMF) to reconfigure the user plane for the mobile device.


