Packet Processing Apparatus for QoS Prioritization in LTE Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE mobile communication systems, existing congestion control methods fail to ensure fair delivery of multiple media types with different QoS requirements, leading to inconsistent service quality as one medium may be received before another, degrading user experience.
Innovation Solution
A packet processing method and apparatus that receive rules from the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) to analyze packets and mark them with a service class identifier or index, enabling finer control over packet handling based on analyzed information and specific rules, ensuring appropriate prioritization and scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If QoS parameters such as QCI or ARP values are used to prioritize resource allocation in the RAN, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but service quality consistency deteriorates when multiple media types with different QoS requirements coexist in a single service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS control into two levels: EPS bearer level (using QCI/ARP for resource allocation) and IP flow level (using 5-tuple for service identification). This segmentation allows the RAN to efficiently allocate resources based on bearer QoS while the P-GW performs fine-grained packet marking based on specific IP flow characteristics, thereby resolving the contradiction between resource allocation efficiency and service quality consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the P-GW as an intermediary between the RAN and the external network. The P-GW receives packets, identifies their service types using 5-tuple information, marks them with appropriate service class identifiers, and then forwards them to the RAN. This intermediary enables the RAN to handle packets efficiently while ensuring service quality consistency through the P-GW's intelligent packet marking.
2Productivity
If multiple media types with different QoS requirements are transmitted through shared channels, then channel utilization is improved, but packet delivery consistency deteriorates causing degraded user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by marking packets with service class identifiers that reflect their specific service requirements. Different IP flows (e.g., video, audio, text) within the same EPS bearer are marked with different service class identifiers based on their 5-tuple characteristics. This allows the RAN to apply localized scheduling decisions to individual packets while maintaining efficient shared channel utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the packet parameters by adding service class identifier markings based on 5-tuple analysis. This parameter change enables the RAN to distinguish between different media types and apply appropriate scheduling priorities, thereby maintaining packet delivery consistency while utilizing shared channels efficiently.
3Measurement precision
If packet inspection rules are implemented at the P-GW to mark packets with service class identifiers, then service quality control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the P-GW multi-functional by combining its existing routing functions with new packet inspection and marking capabilities. The P-GW uses its existing knowledge of 5-tuple information (source/destination IP addresses, source/destination ports, protocol type) for both routing decisions and service class identifier marking. This universal approach improves service quality control precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for processing packets. A method for processing packets in a base station (ENB) may include: obtaining information on a rule for dealing with a packet according to supplementary information contained in the header of the packet; receiving a packet; extracting supplementary information from the header of the received packet; and processing the received packet on the basis of the obtained rule information and extracted supplementary information. Hence, the base station may adequately perform packet control operations in accordance with the state thereof.