Multipath Policy Control for Wireless Network QoS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communications networks face challenges in efficiently managing multipath transmissions across cellular and non-cellular access nodes, leading to reduced Quality of Service (QoS) and increased costs for network operators, as well as limitations in enforcing service-based policies and charging models due to independent and non-collaborative multipath transmission solutions like ATSSS and MP-TCP.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for configuring multipath transmissions between user equipment and content providers, involving a policy control entity that receives establishment requests, determines multipath transmission policies, and transmits responses to network exposure entities, allowing for coordinated management of data packet sessions across cellular and non-cellular access nodes, enabling network operators to influence steering decisions and apply differentiated charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent multipath transmission solutions (ATSSS, MP-TCP) are used, then connectivity and data transmission are enabled across multiple access types, but network operators cannot enforce service-based policies and charging models effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multipath transmission network entity as an intermediary component within the network infrastructure. This entity receives policy information from the policy control entity and uses it to control and coordinate multipath transmissions between user equipment and content providers. The intermediary enables network operators to enforce service-based policies and charging models while maintaining multipath connectivity, resolving the contradiction between transmission versatility and policy enforceability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multipath transmissions are managed independently without coordination, then transmission flexibility is maintained, but Quality of Service (QoS) deteriorates and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the multipath transmission network entity receives policy information from the policy control entity and uses this information to dynamically control multipath transmissions. The system monitors transmission status and adjusts routing decisions based on policy requirements and network conditions. This coordinated feedback-based management improves QoS and reduces operational costs while preserving transmission flexibility through intelligent, policy-driven routing.
3Extent of automation
If network operators cannot influence steering decisions in multipath transmissions, then transmission autonomy is maintained, but resource optimization and cost reduction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic control of multipath transmissions through the multipath transmission network entity, which receives and processes policy information from the policy control entity in real-time. The system dynamically adjusts transmission routing, access node selection, and resource allocation based on current network conditions and policy requirements. This dynamic approach maintains transmission autonomy while significantly improving resource optimization capability and reducing operational costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a policy control entity in a wireless communications network. In the wireless communications network a multipath transmission with at least two data packet sessions can be provided between a content provider and a user equipment. The method comprises the following steps. First, an establishment request is received from a network exposure entity to set up the multipath transmission. The establishment request comprises multipath information including a multipath indicator, indicating that the multipath transmission is requested, and a flow description for the first data packet session and the second data packet session. Then, for at least the first data packet session and the second data packet session, a multipath transmission policy is determined. Then, in response to the establishment request, a response message is transmitted to the network exposure entity, including the multipath transmission policy.