PDAP Layer Mapping for 5G QoS Data Splitting and Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication technologies, particularly in the transition from LTE to 5G, lack effective methods for data processing and handover that accommodate the new Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms and the increased network throughput, device connections, and low-latency requirements of 5G systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for data splitting and handover processing through the exchange of PDU session and QoS flow information between network elements, utilizing a packet data association protocol (PDAP) to manage data radio bearers and coordinate QoS mechanisms, and involving a computer storage medium for executing these methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data processing methods are implemented for the new QoS mechanism in next-generation systems, then QoS management capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple PDU sessions and QoS flows mapping to DRBs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS management capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the QoS management by introducing a PDAP layer that separates PDU session management from DRB management. The PDAP entity in the base station handles mapping relationships between multiple QoS flows and DRBs, dividing the complex QoS control function into modular components that can be managed independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The PDAP protocol acts as an intermediary layer between the PDCP layer and the QoS management functions. It mediates the mapping relationships between QoS flows and DRBs, coordinating the interaction between core network QoS requirements and radio access network resource allocation, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple QoS flows are mapped to the same DRB to improve resource utilization, then network throughput increases, but data processing complexity increases due to flow differentiation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data processing by introducing the PDAP layer that separately manages QoS flow identification and DRB mapping. This allows multiple QoS flows to be multiplexed on the same DRB while maintaining individual flow control through the PDAP entity, which handles flow differentiation and QoS parameter management independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The DRB is designed with multi-functionality to carry multiple QoS flows simultaneously. The PDAP entity provides universal mapping capabilities that can accommodate different QoS requirements (eGBR, non-GBR flows) on the same transport bearer, enabling resource sharing while maintaining service differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If data splitting and handover processing are implemented without standardized methods, then system flexibility is maintained, but implementation difficulty increases due to lack of protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidimplementation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic data splitting and handover processing through the PDAP protocol. The mapping relationships between QoS flows and DRBs can be dynamically adjusted during handover scenarios, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions while following standardized procedures for flow migration and bearer reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized PDAP protocol incorporates feedback mechanisms for handover and data splitting operations. The base station receives QoS flow information from the core network, processes mapping decisions, and provides status feedback, enabling coordinated data splitting and handover execution according to established protocols rather than ad-hoc implementations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3576453B1Method, network element, and system for implementing data processing, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 ZTE CORP
  • EP3576453B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3576453B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3576453B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

Provided is a method, network element and system for implementing data processing. The method includes: transmitting, by a first network element, a request message to a second network element; feeding, by the second network element, a response message back to the first network element according to the request message received from the first network element; receiving, by the first network element, the response message fed back by the second network element, and transmitting an indication message to a third network element; and receiving, by the third network element, the indication message transmitted by the first network element, and processing data according to the indication message. The embodiments of the present application implement data splitting and handover processing for a next-generation mobile communication technology.