Linked QoS Flow Configuration for Adaptive UE-UE Communications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G cellular networks lack a mechanism to jointly consider the dynamic and asymmetric radio conditions of multiple user equipment (UEs) for end-to-end low-latency and high-reliability communications, leading to suboptimal QoS flow configurations in UE-UE communications.

Innovation Solution

Introduce a Dependent Flow Identifier (DFI) and Linked UE address to link QoS flows between UEs, enabling network nodes to jointly manage radio resources and adjust QoS profiles based on the dynamic connectivity conditions of both UEs, using existing 5G QoS model frameworks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If independent QoS flows are configured for each UE without joint consideration, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and latency performance deteriorate due to inability to adapt to dynamic asymmetric radio conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveend-to-end reliabilityVSAvoidQoS configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Dependent Flow Identifier (DFI) as an intermediary mechanism that links QoS flows of different UEs. This DFI acts as a mediator that enables network nodes to recognize and jointly manage multiple QoS flows without requiring complex inter-UE coordination, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes QoS parameters (such as QoS profiles, resource allocation) based on the joint assessment of multiple UEs' radio conditions. The network node derives QoS parameters that consider connectivity conditions of both UEs, allowing adaptive optimization of reliability and latency without fixed complex configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If QoS flows are configured without linking mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to dynamic radio conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS adaptabilityVSAvoidQoS management simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The DFI serves as an intermediary that enables the network node to link and track multiple QoS flows. This allows the system to maintain simple operation from the UE perspective while enabling complex joint management and adaptation at the network node level through the intermediary DFI mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the QoS management into independent flow configurations at UE level and joint flow management at network node level. Each UE's QoS flow is configured independently with a DFI, but the network node can jointly manage these flows based on overall connectivity conditions, achieving both simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If static QoS parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and latency performance deteriorate due to inability to respond to changing connectivity conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidQoS parameter management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes QoS parameters dynamic by deriving them based on current connectivity conditions of multiple UEs. The network node continuously assesses radio conditions and adjusts QoS parameters accordingly, enabling the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions and maintain high productivity without requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network node monitors connectivity conditions of UEs and uses this feedback to derive and adjust QoS parameters. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic adaptation of QoS to maintain optimal productivity while the network node handles the complexity of parameter management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250374340A1QOS flow configuration for user equipment to user equipment communications
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • US20250374340A1 patent drawing
  • US20250374340A1 patent drawing
  • US20250374340A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In some example embodiment, there may be provided an apparatus configured to at least receive or generate an indication indicative of two flows including a first flow and a second flow, the two flows carrying data from a first user equipment via a cellular network to a second user equipment. Related system, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.