Dynamic Packet Bearer Association via Marking Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for associating data packets with a bearer in user equipment are inflexible, require static configuration, and are access and vendor specific, leading to high complexity and cost, especially in managing quality of service (QoS) and handling different network contexts.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically associates data packets with a packet bearer using packet marking and signaling, allowing flexible mapping without prior configuration, and enabling access-agnostic application development by reusing existing procedures and protocols like SIP/SDP for signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static configuration and vendor-specific methods are used to associate data packets with bearers, then the association mechanism is simple to implement, but the system becomes inflexible and requires high development cost for access-specific applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the user equipment to perform packet filtering and association functions that were previously only available in the network. The UE can now dynamically create and manage packet filters based on received filter parameters, making the system adaptable to different access scenarios without requiring vendor-specific implementations. This multi-functional approach allows the same mechanism to work across different network types and vendors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static configuration to dynamic packet-bearer association. Packet filters are no longer pre-configured but are created dynamically in the UE based on filter parameters received from the network. This allows the association mechanism to adapt in real-time to different traffic patterns and network conditions, providing flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized procedures.
2Ease of manufacture
If dynamic packet marking and filtering is implemented in user equipment, then access-agnostic application development is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing standardized filter parameters as a mediator between the network and the packet filtering function in the UE. These filter parameters provide a common interface that simplifies application development, allowing applications to specify filtering requirements without being aware of the underlying implementation details. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity while enabling dynamic, access-agnostic packet-bearer association.
3Adaptability or versatility
If packet filters are established dynamically based on signaling, then the system becomes flexible and vendor-independent, but the signaling overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network provide filter parameters to the UE in advance, during session establishment or before packet filtering is needed. This allows the UE to have the necessary filtering information ready before actual packet processing begins, reducing the time penalty of dynamic filter creation. The filter parameters are prepared beforehand, enabling fast packet-bearer association when packets need to be filtered.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for associating a data packet (DP) with a packet bearer (PB) in a user equipment (UE1) of a communication network is proposed. The packet bearer (PB) transmits the data packet to a communication entity in the communication network. The communication network comprises at least one control entity to exchange signaling information with the user equipment. The user equipment comprises at least one executing unit for executing one or more applications which create the data packet, a packet marking entity for marking at least one control field in the data packet and a transmission unit for sending the data packet on the packet bearer. After setting up the packet bearer between the transmission unit and the communication entity, a first signaling of filter parameters for defining a packet filter is received by the user equipment. The filter parameters correspond to a packet marking. A second signaling of the packet marking from the control entity is received by the user equipment and forwarded to the packet marking entity. The data packet is marked with the signaled packet marking. The packet filter corresponding to the filter parameters is established for scanning data packets forwarded from the executing unit to the transmission unit and is associated with the packet bearer. The data packet with the marking corresponding to the filter parameters is forwarded on the associated packet bearer. A corresponding mobile network, control entity, user equipment and computer program are also described.