E1 QoS Flow Signaling for Dynamic DRB Allocation in 5G RAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the 5G RAN architecture, the allocation of AN resources for QoS flows can be inefficient due to the CU-CP not knowing when data traffic will be sent or received, leading to unnecessary resource allocation and inefficient mapping of QoS flows to DRBs, especially when some flows become inactive.
Innovation Solution
Implementing enhanced signaling over the E1 interface between CU-CP and CU-UP to request and report QoS-flow-related information, such as traffic detection, data rates, inactivity, and flow mapping, allowing dynamic adjustment of DRBs based on actual data usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the CU-CP allocates AN resources for QoS flows without knowing when data traffic will be sent or received, then resources are pre-allocated to ensure service availability, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary resource allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by introducing enhanced signaling over the E1 interface that allows the CU-UP to report traffic detection status and data rates to the CU-CP. This enables the system to transition from static pre-allocation to dynamic allocation based on actual traffic conditions, adjusting DRB configurations in real-time to match current service needs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the CU-UP monitors traffic conditions and sends reports to the CU-CP regarding traffic detection, data rates, and flow activity status. This feedback loop enables the CU-CP to make informed decisions about resource allocation and DRB management, optimizing resource usage while ensuring service availability when traffic is actually present.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the CU-CP maintains DRBs for all configured QoS flows, then service continuity is ensured, but device complexity increases due to unnecessary DRB maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DRB configuration dynamic by enabling the CU-CP to receive activity status reports from the CU-UP and adjust DRB configurations accordingly. When QoS flows become inactive, the system dynamically removes or deconfigures corresponding DRBs, reducing complexity while maintaining service continuity for active flows through on-demand DRB establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary DRBs from the configuration by implementing mechanisms to identify and eliminate DRBs associated with inactive QoS flows. This extraction process reduces the number of maintained DRBs and associated complexity while preserving service continuity for flows that actually require service.
3Device complexity
If the mapping of QoS flows to DRBs is static, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates when some flows become inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static QoS flow to DRB mapping into a dynamic configuration by implementing enhanced E1 signaling that enables the CU-CP to receive real-time information about flow activity status and traffic conditions. This allows the mapping configuration to adapt automatically to changing traffic patterns and flow activity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the CU-UP reports traffic detection status and flow activity information to the CU-CP, enabling dynamic adjustment of QoS flow to DRB mappings. This feedback-driven approach allows the system to adapt mappings based on actual usage patterns while maintaining configuration simplicity through automated decision-making processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided by a central-unit-control plane (CU-CP) of a network node for exchanging information with a central-unit user plane (CU-UP) of the network node to manage Quality of Service (QoS) flows for the optimization of radio resources. The method includes transmitting, to the CU-UP, a request for flow information for at least one QoS flow and receiving, from the CU-UP of the network node, the flow information for the at least one QoS flow. Based on the flow information for the at least one QoS flow, at least one action is taken.