NEF QoS Provisioning for Persistent UE Group Service Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G systems lack a mechanism for third-party applications to dynamically influence and upgrade the default Quality of Service (QoS) for a group of users beyond the scope of an established PDU session, and the QoS changes are not persistent, reverting when the service or PDU session is terminated.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable a Network Exposure Function (NEF) to receive QoS reference parameters from an application entity, map them to internal subscribed QoS parameters, and send these parameters to a data management entity like UDM or PCF, allowing dynamic QoS upgrades for UE groups, ensuring persistence even when users are not attached or devices are rebooted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If QoS parameters are provisioned manually for each UE, then QoS can be maintained for individual users, but the complexity and time required for provisioning increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the provisioning process by introducing group-based QoS provisioning. Instead of handling each UE individually, the system divides UEs into groups (e.g., based on service types or user categories) and applies QoS parameters at the group level. This segmentation enables efficient bulk provisioning while maintaining individual QoS requirements through group-specific policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring QoS parameters for groups of UEs before actual service deployment. The network can pre-establish QoS policies for different user groups, service types, or scenarios, so that when UEs join or services are activated, the appropriate QoS parameters are already in place and can be applied immediately without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If QoS changes are applied only during PDU session lifetime, then session-specific QoS can be optimized, but the QoS changes are not persistent and revert when session terminates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges session-specific QoS requirements with subscriber-level QoS policies. By combining the temporary session needs with persistent subscriber profiles, the system ensures that QoS parameters are maintained both during the session and beyond. The QoS information is stored in the UDM/UDR associated with the subscriber, ensuring persistence across sessions while allowing session-specific optimizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by enabling QoS parameters to be updated and persisted in the network core. The QoS information is dynamically provisioned to the UDM/UDR and can be updated based on service requirements, user profiles, or network conditions. This dynamic provisioning ensures that QoS changes persist beyond individual sessions while adapting to changing requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual provisioning is used for each UE, then precise QoS control is achieved, but the device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the NEF as an intermediary between external AF applications and the core network QoS management functions. The NEF receives QoS requirements from AFs, translates them into appropriate QoS parameters, and provisions them to the UDM/UDR. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by providing a standardized interface for QoS provisioning while maintaining precise control through structured parameter translation and validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for. A method performed by an exposure entity, comprising receiving a first parameter provisioning request from an application entity, wherein the first parameter provisioning request includes at least one Quality of Service. QoS reference parameter for at least one User Equipment, UE or UE group. The method further comprises determining at least one internal subscribed QoS parameter based on the at least one QoS reference parameter. The method further comprises sending a second parameter provisioning request to a data management entity, wherein the second parameter provisioning request includes the at least one internal subscribed QoS parameter.