PCF-SMF RTT Control via PCC Rules for Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication technologies face challenges in timely controlling round-trip time (RTT) for service data flows, particularly in high-demand services like cloud gaming and AI interactive services, due to the long time it takes for application layer control to reach the network side, resulting in unsatisfactory user experience.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and apparatus that directly control RTT by sending policy control and charging rules from a policy control function (PCF) to a session management function (SMF), which includes RTT control information for both upstream and downstream service data flows, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of transmission delays to meet RTT requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If application layer control is used to control RTT, then RTT can be controlled, but the control takes too long to reach the network side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a policy control function (PCF) as an intermediary between the application layer and the network side. The PCF receives RTT control requirements from the application layer and translates them into policy control and charging (PCC) rules that can be directly executed by the session management function (SMF) and access network device, thereby eliminating the long control delay while maintaining control effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the PCF pre-process and translate RTT control requirements into executable PCC rules before they reach the network side. This preliminary translation and preparation of control rules enables the network side to execute RTT control immediately without waiting for continuous application layer feedback, thus reducing control time delay
2Ease of operation
If application layer feedback is used for RTT control, then RTT can be adjusted, but user experience is not met due to slow response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the access network device monitor actual transmission delay and report it to the PCF. The PCF then compares the actual delay with the required RTT and automatically adjusts PCC rules accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic RTT adjustment without requiring continuous application layer intervention, improving response time while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the network side (PCF and access network device) to automatically monitor, detect, and adjust RTT based on actual transmission conditions. The system uses built-in delay monitoring capabilities and automatic PCC rule adjustment, eliminating the need for manual application layer configuration and achieving rapid self-adjustment to meet user experience requirements
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a communication method and a communications apparatus. The communication method includes: sending, by a PCF, a PCC rule to an SMF. The PCC rule includes first RTT control information corresponding to a service data flow of a target service, and the PCC rule is used by the SMF to control, according to the first RTT control information, a QoS flow for transmitting the service data flow.