MAMS Traffic Steering APIs for 5G ATSSS Coexistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions do not address the coexistence and integration of Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC)-based Multiple Access Management Services (MAMS) and 5G Access Traffic Switching, Steering, and Splitting (ATSSS), nor allow third-party applications to influence or be informed of multi-access traffic steering decisions in these systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a programmable framework called MAMS that enables dynamic selection and flexible combination of network paths based on application needs and network conditions, using enhanced application programming interfaces to influence traffic steering decisions and exchange network state information, while coexisting with 5G ATSSS mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MEC-based MAMS and 5G ATSSS are deployed separately, then each system can function independently, but they cannot coexist or integrate to provide unified multi-access traffic steering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem independenceVSAvoidcoexistence and integration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges MEC-based MAMS and 5G ATSSS into a unified architecture where the MAMS framework serves as the overarching control mechanism. The 5G ATSSS functionality is integrated as a subordinate component that receives steering decisions from MAMS, allowing both systems to coexist and operate together rather than in isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MAMS framework is designed with universal applicability to support multiple access technologies including 5G ATSSS, LTE, and WiFi simultaneously. It provides a common interface and control mechanism that can manage traffic across different access networks, making the system adaptable to various deployment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If third-party applications are excluded from traffic steering decisions, then system complexity is reduced, but applications cannot influence or be informed of steering capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem architecture simplicityVSAvoidapplication influence capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary application programming interface (API) layer that connects third-party applications with the MAMS traffic steering system. This API allows applications to query steering capabilities, provide input preferences, and receive notifications about steering decisions without requiring direct integration into the core control logic, thus maintaining system simplicity while enabling application influence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms through the API where applications can receive information about current traffic steering decisions and capabilities. This allows applications to adapt their behavior based on network conditions and steering policies, creating a closed-loop system that responds to application needs while maintaining centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If dynamic path selection is implemented based on application needs, then network utilization and quality of experience are optimized, but control plane signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol plane signaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring traffic steering rules and policies in the MAMS framework before actual traffic flows occur. Applications can declare their requirements in advance, and the system pre-determines appropriate steering strategies, reducing the need for real-time signaling and dynamic adjustments during traffic transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic traffic steering at the user plane level without requiring corresponding changes in the control plane. By separating control and user plane functions, the system can dynamically adjust traffic paths based on real-time conditions while keeping control plane signaling minimal and stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12425914B2Technologies for control and management of multiple traffic steering services

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Disclosed embodiments are related to techniques for implementing Multiple Access Management Services (MAMS), Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC), and 3GPP Fifth Generation (5G) technologies. Embodiments include enhanced application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow applications to influence multi-access (MA) traffic steering decisions, and also get informed of various MA traffic steering modes. Disclosed embodiments also include techniques to enable coexistence between MEC-based MAMS systems and 5G MA traffic steering mechanisms. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.