MAMS Convergence Layer for Cross-RAT Traffic Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-access frameworks lack mechanisms for seamless traffic steering and management across multiple networks, particularly in inter-RAT and intra-RAT scenarios, leading to difficulties in managing and switching between different delivery connections, which affects Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE).

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a convergence layer that abstracts multiple physical links into a virtual network, utilizing traffic steering messages (TSMs) to manage logical and physical delivery connections, and employs cross-layer and cross-link mobility management techniques to enhance QoS and QoE by optimizing traffic steering and handover processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple physical links are managed directly without abstraction, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulties in managing and switching between different delivery connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of managing and switching between delivery connectionsVSAvoidcomplexity of convergence layer architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a convergence layer as an intermediary component that sits between the application layer and multiple physical links. This convergence layer includes a convergence entity that manages traffic steering, connection establishment, and switching operations. By placing this intermediary layer, the patent simplifies the management of multiple delivery connections while maintaining awareness of the underlying physical link characteristics, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traffic steering is performed at the network layer, then adaptability to different network conditions is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional processing and signaling overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to network conditionsVSAvoidtime for traffic steering and handover

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple delivery connections and pre-configuring traffic steering rules before actual data transmission begins. The convergence entity maintains connection information and can rapidly switch traffic between pre-established paths. This allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions without the time penalty of establishing new connections or configuring routing rules during active transmission, thus reducing the time loss associated with traffic steering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic traffic steering capabilities at the convergence layer that can rapidly adapt to changing network conditions. The convergence entity monitors link quality and can dynamically switch traffic between different delivery connections based on real-time network status. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond quickly to network changes without the delays associated with traditional network-layer routing protocols, thereby maintaining adaptability while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If existing multi-access frameworks are used without convergence layer abstraction, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of mechanisms for seamless traffic steering and management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of traffic steering and handoverVSAvoidcomplexity of multi-access management system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If multiple physical links are abstracted into a virtual network, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to convergence layer architecture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of managing delivery connectionsVSAvoidcomplexity of convergence layer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The convergence entity in the patent is designed as a universal component that can manage multiple types of physical links (wireless, wired, different RATs) through a unified interface and common control logic. This multi-functional design allows the same convergence layer architecture to handle diverse connection types without requiring separate management mechanisms for each link type, thereby reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation across heterogeneous networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12389295B2Traffic steering and cross-layer and cross-link mobility management techniques for multi-access management services

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 INTEL CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure is related to multi-queue management techniques and packet reordering techniques for inter-radio access technology (RAT) and intra-RAT traffic steering. The multi-queue management and packet reordering techniques may be used in Multi-Access Management Services (MAMS) framework, which is a programmable framework that provides mechanisms for the flexible selection of network paths in a multi-access (MX) communication environment, based on an application's needs. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.