Mobile Network Traffic Path Management via Service Data Flow Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile network architectures, particularly in 5G systems, face challenges in optimizing and operating network paths to meet the bandwidth and low latency requirements of various application services due to their design without considering the transport layer, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of service data flow management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for establishing and managing traffic paths in a mobile communication system by generating policy and charging control (PCC) rules based on routing IDs (RID) returned for each service data flow (SDF), using only a locator within the RID to indicate traffic paths, enabling dynamic and optimized routing decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the mobile network architecture is designed without considering the transport layer, then the network structure is simpler, but the ability to quickly respond to bandwidth and latency requirements of application services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture by introducing a transport layer that operates independently from the existing GTP-U tunneling layer. This transport layer is divided into multiple transport networks, each capable of carrying different types of traffic with different QoS requirements. The segmentation allows the network to maintain its original simple structure while adding specialized pathways for different application services, thereby improving response capability without significantly complicating the overall architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer (transport layer) above the existing GTP-U tunneling layer. This creates a multi-layered network architecture where the transport layer provides additional capabilities for QoS management and path optimization. By operating in this new dimension, the network can satisfy diverse service requirements without fundamentally redesigning the core network structure, thus maintaining simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
2Reliability
If GTP-U tunneling is used to connect (R)AN and core network, then the network connectivity is established, but the optimization and operation of network paths according to individual application service requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network path into two independent parts: the GTP-U tunneling path for basic connectivity and the transport layer path for optimized service delivery. Each segment can be independently configured and managed. The GTP-U layer maintains reliable connectivity between (R)AN and core network, while the transport layer provides application-specific path optimization through multiple transport networks with different characteristics, thereby resolving the contradiction between connectivity reliability and path optimization adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport layer acts as an intermediary between the GTP-U tunneling layer and application services. It receives connectivity requirements from the GTP-U layer and translates them into optimized transport paths based on application-specific QoS requirements. This intermediary layer enables path optimization without disrupting the existing connectivity established by GTP-U, allowing both reliable connectivity and adaptive path optimization to coexist.
3Device complexity
If a traffic path is established using routing ID with only locator, then the path indication is simpler, but the routing information may be less comprehensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential routing function from complex routing protocols and implements it through a simplified routing ID that contains only the locator. This extracted locator information is sufficient for identifying the transport path in the transport network, as the actual path determination is handled by the transport network infrastructure itself. This approach maintains simplicity while avoiding information loss by relying on the transport network's inherent path knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport network performs self-service by automatically determining and establishing optimal paths based on the provided locator information. The simplified routing ID with only locator triggers the transport network to autonomously select the appropriate transport path without requiring detailed routing instructions. This self-service mechanism ensures that comprehensive routing information is available when needed, while keeping the routing information structure simple at the control plane.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for establishing and modifying a traffic path on basis of a service data flow in a mobile communication system is proposed. The method includes steps of receiving an SM policy association establishment request message or an SM policy association modification request message on the basis of PDU session establishment, obtaining policy-related information from a UDR on the basis of an SM policy association establishment request or an SM policy association modification request, and performing a policy decision on the basis of whether a previously stored PCC rule related to the PDU session establishment exists in the policy-related information, wherein the policy decision may include traffic routing for each service data flow (SDF) and include a step of transmitting an SM policy association establishment response message or an SM policy association modification response message, which includes policy decision information, to a SMF.