Multi-Access Traffic Steering for Reliable Low-Latency URLLC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems struggle to efficiently manage and optimize traffic flow across multiple access networks to meet the high reliability and low latency requirements of ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) services, particularly in scenarios like autonomous driving, where real-time data sharing is critical.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus for access traffic steering, switching, and splitting (ATSSS) that utilizes multi-access and multi-data-path techniques, involving network function devices like UPF, PCF, and NWDAF to manage traffic flow across different access networks based on performance data and rules, including ATSSS rules with timer information, access types, and location-based or time-based steering modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic flow is managed over multiple access networks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a first network function device as an intermediary that receives access traffic rules from a second network function device and network performance data from a third network function device. This intermediary coordinates traffic control across multiple access networks, managing the complexity of multi-network traffic management while improving reliability through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traffic control function into distinct network function devices: a second network function device that formulates access traffic rules, a first network function device that executes traffic controlling, and a third network function device that provides performance data. This segmentation distributes complexity across multiple specialized components rather than concentrating it in a single device.
2Reliability
If access traffic controlling is performed based on real-time network performance data, then quality of service is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic traffic controlling by receiving access traffic rules that include timer information and periodically receiving network performance data. The first network function device performs traffic controlling at scheduled intervals rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while maintaining quality of service through regular updates and monitoring.
3Reliability
If multiple data paths are used for traffic flow, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic controlling where the first network function device adjusts traffic flow distribution across multiple data paths based on real-time network performance data. The system dynamically selects and switches between access networks and data paths according to current conditions, optimizing both reliability and latency by routing traffic through the most efficient available path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes multiple data paths and access networks in advance before traffic transmission is needed. By pre-configuring redundant paths and having performance data readily available from the third network function device, the system can quickly switch between paths without significant latency penalty when reliability issues arise.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a first network function device receives an access traffic rule for a multi-access protocol data unit (MA PDU) session of a user equipment (UE) from a second network function device, where the access traffic rule defines information on how to handle a traffic flow associated with the MA PDU session over multiple data paths corresponding to different access networks. The first network function device receives network performance data related to the access traffic rule from a third network function device and performs access traffic controlling of the traffic flow over the multiple data paths in accordance with the access traffic rule and the network performance data.