In-flow Packet Prioritization via Dynamic QoS Policy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital communication networks face challenges in dynamically prioritizing packets within a flow, especially for applications like video streaming where packets must be received by a deadline, as existing QoS policies treat all packets in a flow equally, leading to issues like video stalling or garbling due to out-of-order receipt.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of packet-set markings and traffic filtering tokens allows for dynamic prioritization of packets within a flow, enabling differentiated Quality of Service (QoS) treatment without requiring QoS re-negotiation between the application server and the core network, by associating specific priorities with packets and using tokens to differentiate between sets of packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all packets in a packet flow are assigned the same scheduling priority, then the QoS policy is simple to implement, but critical packets cannot be prioritized leading to video stalling or garbling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet flow into different packet sets, each with distinct priorities. Packet-set markings divide packets into groups (e.g., critical video packets vs. non-critical data packets), allowing differential scheduling without complicating the overall QoS policy structure. Each segment can be handled by existing scheduling mechanisms independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority levels to different packets within the same flow based on their specific characteristics. Critical packets (e.g., video packets near deadline) receive higher priority markings locally, while non-critical packets maintain lower priority, enabling fine-grained control without global policy complexity.
2Reliability
If QoS re-negotiation is performed to prioritize specific packets, then packet prioritization is achieved, but continuous re-negotiation increases signaling overhead and network load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing packet-set markings and priority associations before packets are transmitted. The application function configures packet prioritization rules in advance, so that when packets are generated, their priorities are already determined by matching against pre-defined patterns, eliminating the need for real-time QoS re-negotiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces packet-set markings as an intermediary mechanism between the application function and the scheduling entity. These markings serve as a lightweight signaling method that conveys priority information without requiring full QoS re-negotiation protocols, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining prioritization accuracy.
3Productivity
If dynamic prioritization is implemented within a packet flow, then video stalling is prevented, but the scheduling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the scheduling priority of packets to change dynamically based on their characteristics and timing. Packet priorities are not fixed but adapt according to packet-set markings, allowing the scheduling mechanism to respond to changing conditions (e.g., approaching deadlines) without requiring complete reconfiguration of the scheduling system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, operational at a device, includes receiving at least one packet belonging to a first set of packets of a packet flow marked with an identification value, determining that the at least one packet is marked with the identification value, determining to change a quality of service (QoS) treatment of packets belonging to the first set of packets marked with the identification value that are yet to be received, and sending a request to change the QoS treatment of packets belonging to the first set of packets marked with the identification value that are yet to be received to trigger a different QoS treatment of packets within the packet flow, responsive to determining to change the QoS treatment. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.