Flow Identifier Mapping for 5G Air Interface Overhead Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The large size of flow identifiers in 5G networks leads to significant extra transmission overheads during data transmission, which is a challenge in maintaining efficient wireless communication.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves using a shorter second flow identifier for data transmission between an access network device and a terminal, while maintaining the longer first flow identifier for communication between the access network device and the core network device. This is achieved by establishing a mapping relationship between the two flow identifiers, allowing the shorter identifier to be used on the air interface and reducing overheads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large-size flow identifier is used to identify QoS flows in 5G networks, then the network can support many service types, but the transmission overhead increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice type supportVSAvoidtransmission overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the flow identification function into two parts: a first flow identifier used between the access network device and core network device, and a second flow identifier used between the access network device and terminal. This segmentation allows the second identifier to be shorter for air interface transmission, reducing overhead while maintaining the ability to support multiple service types through the first identifier in the core network

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different identifier lengths to different transmission contexts: a shorter second flow identifier is used specifically for the air interface between access network device and terminal where overhead is critical, while a longer first flow identifier is used for core network communications where full identification capability is needed. This local optimization reduces overall transmission overhead without compromising service type support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3589010B1Wireless communication method, terminal, access network device, and network system
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3589010B1 patent drawingFigure 1
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AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a wireless communication method, a terminal, and an access network device. The method includes: receiving, by an access network device, a first downlink data flow that includes first downlink data and that is sent by a core network device, where the first downlink data flow includes a first flow identifier; and sending, by the access network device, a second downlink data flow that includes the first downlink data to a terminal, where the second downlink data flow includes a second flow identifier, a length of the second flow identifier is less than a length of the first flow identifier, and the first flow identifier corresponds to the second flow identifier. Air interface data transmission overheads can be reduced by using the foregoing method.