In-bearer QoS Differentiation in 5G Multi-Connectivity Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems, particularly 5G wireless networks, face user plane congestion due to increasing data traffic, which affects the quality of service (QoS) and requires effective methods for differentiated service flow management to alleviate congestion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of in-bearer QoS differentiation in a 5G multi-connectivity environment, where the control plane (CP) and user plane (UP) work together to prioritize and manage service flows, elementary flows, and sub-flows, allowing for flexible QoS control and management without significant complexity or overhead, using the Network Conversion Sub-layer (NCS) and UP master QoS handling entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple service flows are increased to handle increasing data traffic, then the data capacity is improved, but the congestion in service flows worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments service flows into multiple differentiated service flows, each with unique QoS characteristics. This segmentation allows traffic to be distributed across multiple specialized flows rather than a single congested flow, thereby increasing data capacity while managing congestion through differentiated handling of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different QoS characteristics to different service flows based on their specific requirements. Each service flow can be optimized with appropriate priority levels, packet loss thresholds, and other QoS parameters tailored to its function, allowing congestion to be managed locally in each flow rather than globally across all traffic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If QoS control is implemented at multiple levels (RAN, CN, E2E), then the QoS differentiation capability is improved, but the system complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments QoS control into distinct levels (RAN, CN, E2E), each responsible for specific control functions. This segmentation allows each level to operate independently with its own control mechanisms, improving QoS differentiation capability while managing complexity by distributing control responsibilities across multiple specialized components rather than a monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional QoS control approach by implementing control at multiple hierarchical levels (RAN, CN, E2E). This adds dimensional structure to QoS management, allowing differentiation capabilities to be enhanced across multiple axes while complexity is managed through the modular hierarchical organization of control functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If in-bearer QoS differentiation is implemented in multi-connectivity 5G networks, then the service flow management flexibility is improved, but the control plane complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments service flow management into multiple independent bearers, each with its own QoS differentiation capabilities. This segmentation allows flexible management of service flows across multiple connectivity paths while the control plane complexity is managed by treating each bearer as an independent manageable unit with standardized control procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic QoS differentiation within bearers, allowing service flow characteristics to be adjusted in real-time based on network conditions and service requirements. This dynamic capability provides flexible service flow management while the control plane handles complexity through standardized dynamic adjustment mechanisms rather than requiring complex static configurations.
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AI summary
Various communication systems may benefit from a high quality of service (QoS). For example, fifth generation (5G) wireless communication systems may benefit from differentiated service flows in the user plane that may impact a core network. According to certain embodiments, a method can include determining at a serving radio access network whether a modification of a service flow will impact at least one of a core network service monitoring, controlling, and configuring, and initiating, based on the determination, the modification of the service flow directly with a user equipment or through a controlling network entity located in the core network.