Multi-Bearer Session Management for Low-Latency Mobile Core Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks lack a flexible session management system capable of handling diverse device types and service requirements, leading to inefficient mobility management and increased packet loss and latency, particularly for ultra-reliable low latency communication (uRLLC) use cases.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced session model (ESM) is introduced, allowing multiple transmission bearers between the access network and the core network, managed by a session type manager (STM) to optimize connectivity through selective assignment and operation modes, including preemptive, simultaneous, and reliability modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single EPS bearer model is used for all devices and services, then network simplicity is maintained, but network flexibility and adaptability to diverse service requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single EPS bearer into multiple transmission bearers (first transmission bearer and second transmission bearer) that can be independently configured and managed. This allows different service types (eMBB, uRLLC, etc.) to be handled by different bearers with appropriate parameters, resolving the contradiction by maintaining overall session management simplicity while enabling service-specific adaptability through bearer segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic bearer management where transmission bearers can be selectively activated, deactivated, or reconfigured based on service requirements. The network can dynamically assign traffic to different bearers depending on the service type, device capabilities, and network conditions, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving adaptability through dynamic resource allocation.
2Reliability
If traditional handover procedures are used for mobility management, then connectivity maintenance is achieved, but packet loss and latency increase for ultra-reliable services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes multiple transmission bearers in advance before handover is needed. When handover occurs, traffic can be seamlessly switched between bearers without waiting for new bearer establishment, significantly reducing handover latency. The pre-configured bearers act as ready-to-use alternatives, eliminating the time-consuming bearer setup process during mobility events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a session management function that acts as an intermediary between the radio access network and core network, coordinating the use of multiple transmission bearers. This intermediary manages bearer activation, deactivation, and traffic routing, enabling seamless handover by switching traffic between pre-established bearers without involving complex re-negotiation procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission bearers are introduced for enhanced service support, then network flexibility and service adaptability improve, but session management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the multiple transmission bearers to share common management procedures and protocols. The same session management mechanisms used for single bearers are extended to handle multiple bearers, allowing unified configuration, monitoring, and control. This universal approach enables service-adaptive bearer management without proportionally increasing complexity, as the management framework remains consistent across different bearer scenarios.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single transmission bearer is allocated per session, then resource allocation simplicity is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency and service quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic parameter changes for transmission bearers based on service requirements. Different bearers can have different QoS parameters, priority levels, and resource allocation profiles. The session management function can adjust bearer parameters in real-time according to traffic demands and service types, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining simplified allocation procedures through parameterization rather than structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an enhanced session model capable of managing the configuration and the usage of a single packet data unit session, which is an association between a user equipment and a packet data network entity and is composed of multiple transmission bearers between the access network and the core network. The latter comprises a session type manager entity adapted to control the connectivity of these transmission bearers whose assignment is either individual or shared, multiple user plane function entities, a session type database and a control plane function entity. The latter can be functionally separate from the session type manager entity or extended with its functionalities. The user equipment and the user plane function entities are individually extended with the functionalities of, respectively, a user session type extension entity and user plane session type extension entities, which all comprise a respective mapping table dedicated to the assignment.