Packet Duplication via SMF-UPF Rules for URLLC Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communications, the dual connectivity mechanism faces challenges in ensuring the reliability of packet transmission for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) scenarios, which require high reliability and low latency.
Innovation Solution
A packet transmission method where a session management function (SMF) network element sends downlink forwarding rules to a user plane function (UPF) network element, instructing it to replicate downlink packets of a specific service and send them through two distinct paths, thereby enhancing the reliability of packet transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual connectivity mechanism is used with two transmission paths, then reliability of packet transmission is improved, but device complexity and network configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet transmission process by introducing a packet duplication function that splits data packets into multiple copies transmitted through different paths (M-RAN and S-RAN). This segmentation allows independent transmission paths while maintaining unified session management, improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring duplicate transmission paths and packet duplication rules before actual data transmission. The SMF network element establishes forwarding rules that enable automatic packet replication and dual-path transmission, so that when URLLC traffic arrives, the redundant paths are already prepared and activated, reducing real-time decision complexity.
2Reliability
If packet duplication and dual-path transmission are implemented, then transmission reliability for URLLC services is improved, but network element processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the SMF network element as an intermediary that centralizes the management of packet duplication and path selection. The SMF receives session management information, determines duplication rules, and configures forwarding policies for UPF and RAN elements. This intermediary approach simplifies individual network element processing by centralizing complex decision-making at the SMF level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements packet copying at the UPF network element, where incoming data packets are replicated into multiple copies that are then forwarded through different access networks (M-RAN and S-RAN). This copying mechanism is controlled by forwarding rules from SMF, allowing automatic duplication without requiring complex real-time processing at each transmission point.
3Reliability
If two transmission paths are used for downlink packets, then transmission reliability is improved, but network resource consumption and bandwidth usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing packet duplication selectively only for URLLC services that require high reliability, rather than for all traffic types. The SMF determines which sessions require duplication based on service requirements, and only those packets are replicated and transmitted through dual paths. Normal traffic continues to use single paths, avoiding unnecessary bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet transmission method, including receiving, by a session management function network element, first access network tunnel information and second access network tunnel information that correspond to a first service, and sending a downlink forwarding rule to a user plane function network element, where the downlink forwarding rule includes the first access network tunnel information and the second access network tunnel information, and the downlink forwarding rule indicates the user plane function network element to replicate a received downlink packet of the first service, and send downlink packets of the first service through two paths respectively corresponding to the first access network tunnel information and the second access network tunnel information.