Multi-SN QoS Flow Management in MR-DC Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective solutions for supporting connectivity of multiple secondary nodes (SNs) in a multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) scenario, particularly in ensuring seamless quality of service (QoS) flow management and dynamic switch procedures between SNs without impacting the master node's (MN) control plane configuration.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining whether to support QoS flows at one SN or multiple SNs, transmitting information about the current serving SN to the core network, and enabling dynamic switching between SNs by sharing data forwarding address and configuration information, allowing multiple SNs to prepare for and support the same QoS flows without affecting the master node's configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE is configured to utilize resources provided by multiple SNs in MR-DC operation, then resource utilization and connectivity are improved, but complexity of QoS flow management and SN switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments QoS flow management by introducing separate PDU session configurations for each SN. Each PDU session is associated with a specific SN and contains dedicated QoS parameters, allowing independent management of flows terminated at different SNs without affecting overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the MN as an intermediary that coordinates SN addition, modification, and release procedures. The MN manages the PDU session configurations and coordinates with the core network, simplifying the complexity burden from UEs and individual SNs
2Speed
If multiple SNs are configured to support the same QoS flows, then SN switching speed is improved, but information management complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple PDU sessions at different SNs before switching is needed. Each PDU session is prepared with complete QoS parameters and routing information in advance, enabling immediate activation during SN switching without extensive real-time signaling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating duplicate PDU session configurations at multiple SNs. Each SN receives a copy of the necessary QoS flow parameters and routing information, allowing any configured SN to immediately take over without requiring complex information negotiation during switching
3Adaptability or versatility
If SN addition and modification procedures are implemented, then QoS flow support capability is improved, but control plane configuration complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the PDU session configuration structure to handle multiple SN scenarios. The same configuration framework supports single-SN, dual-SN, and dynamic switching scenarios, eliminating the need for separate configuration procedures for different SN arrangements
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for supporting connectivity of multiple secondary nodes (SNs) (103) in a multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) scenario under a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G system or the like. A method can be performed by a network device, e.g., a master node (MN) in a MR-DC scenario and can include: determining whether to support a quality of service (QOS) flow terminated at one SN or whether to support a further QoS flow terminated at multiple SNs simultaneously (401A); in response to supporting the QoS flow, determining that the QoS flow is terminated at a SN and the QoS flow uses a radio resource of a secondary cell group (SCG) at a further SN (402A); and in response to supporting the further QoS flow, transmitting, to a core network (CN) node, information regarding a current serving SN of the futher QoS flow (403A).