Offloading Policy Negotiation for Network Control in 3GPP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for data flow switching in 3GPP networks have low applicability and lack network-side control, leading to reduced user experience due to UE-initiated processes and limited network management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An offloading policy negotiation method and apparatus that allows for the generation, negotiation, and implementation of offloading policies between network devices and UE, using extended routing rules with negotiation indications and access technology priorities to optimize data flow routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UE initiates data flow switching based on statically configured policy, then UE can autonomously manage data flows, but network side cannot control and manage the UE
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional control model by enabling the network side to initiate and control offloading policy negotiations rather than relying on UE autonomous decisions. The network side sends policy negotiation requests to UE, establishing a top-down control mechanism that resolves the contradiction between UE autonomy and network control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network side sends offloading policy negotiation requests to UE, receives UE responses, and adjusts policies accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables continuous network-side management while maintaining UE participation, solving the control contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UE initiates data flow switching, then data flow routing can be updated dynamically, but the method has low applicability and reduced user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network side pre-negotiate and establish offloading policies before actual data flow switching occurs. This advance policy setup ensures that dynamic routing decisions are made within a pre-approved framework, improving both applicability and user experience through reliable, pre-planned routing strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network side acts as a mediator between UE data flow requirements and network resource allocation. This intermediary role enables coordinated policy negotiation that balances dynamic routing needs with overall network performance, enhancing user experience.
3Extent of automation
If network side provides routing rules, then network control is improved, but requires additional negotiation overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the policy management process into distinct phases: network-side policy generation, policy negotiation request transmission, UE response, and policy installation. This segmentation of the negotiation process into manageable steps reduces overall complexity while maintaining network control capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an offloading policy negotiation method and apparatus, so as to resolve problems in the prior art that a method for initiating data flow switching by UE has low applicability, and that a network side cannot control and manage the UE, and that user experience is reduced. The method includes: sending, by a first device, an offloading policy to a second device, where the offloading policy includes a default access indication and a routing rule; and receiving and storing, by the first device, an acknowledged offloading policy returned for the offloading policy by the second device, and transmitting a data flow based on the acknowledged offloading policy. In this way, during updating of an offloading policy for a data flow, a routing rule that is acceptable to both sides can be obtained through negotiation between the network side and the UE, transmission efficiency of the data flow is improved, and the problems in the prior art that the method for initiating data flow switching by the UE has low applicability, and that the network side cannot control and manage the UE, and that user experience is reduced are resolved.