Network-Controlled Slice Traffic Management via URSP Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UE behavior is not deterministic when re-evaluating and applying UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules, lacking network control for timely and consistent traffic management between network slices and Data Network Names, especially when not all Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information's (S-NSSAIs) are registered, and PDU Sessions are established.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating traffic control information into URSP rules to enable network-controlled actions such as immediate evaluation and application of new rules, releasing or re-establishing PDU sessions, and switching between network slices, allowing the network to force specific actions beneficial for traffic management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the UE autonomously re-evaluates and applies URSP rules based on implementation, then the UE has flexibility in decision-making, but the network control and determinism of traffic management is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where the network can switch between different URSP rule delivery modes (immediate application vs. periodic re-evaluation) based on traffic conditions and network state. This allows the system to adapt between UE autonomy and network control as needed, resolving the contradiction by making the control mechanism flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of rule application timing from autonomous UE decision to network-controlled timing. By introducing traffic control information that specifies when rules should be applied (immediately vs. at next periodic evaluation), the network gains control over the determinism of traffic management while preserving UE autonomy in the absence of specific network instructions.
2Productivity
If the UE applies URSP rules immediately upon re-evaluation, then traffic management responsiveness is improved, but the time for UE to transition to idle mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-indicate in the URSP rule delivery whether immediate application is required or if periodic re-evaluation should be used. This allows the UE to prepare for appropriate action timing in advance, enabling fast traffic management when needed while avoiding unnecessary immediate applications that would delay idle mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic re-evaluation as an alternative to immediate application. When the network indicates periodic re-evaluation, the UE evaluates URSP rules at scheduled intervals rather than immediately, which reduces the impact on idle mode transition time while still maintaining responsive traffic management through regular updates.
3Reliability
If the network provides detailed traffic control information for URSP rules, then network control over slice traffic management is improved, but the complexity of rule processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic control information into distinct components within the URSP rule structure (rule precedence, traffic descriptors, route selection descriptors, and application timing indicators). This segmentation allows the UE to process different aspects of the rules independently, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining precise network control through the combined information.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for supporting traffic management capabilities under network control. In one embodiment, a method performed by a wireless communication device comprises receiving one or more User Equipment (UE) Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules from a network node, receiving traffic control information associated to the one or more URSP rules, and performing one or more actions based on the one or more URSP rules and the traffic control information. In this manner, the network is given control of slice traffic management such that the network can force the UE to perform an action(s) when the network thinks that such action(s) is beneficial.