PDCP-SDAP Layer Configuration for Flow-Based 5G QoS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G communication systems face challenges in configuring a PDCP layer and SDAP layer for flow-based QoS management, and in efficiently handling data transmission and reception procedures for terminals in inactive states, particularly for mobile terminated traffic, and in supporting functionalities not supported by the 5G CN.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a new SDAP layer on the PDCP layer for flow-based QoS processing, along with configuring PDCP and SDAP entities using RRC messages that include indicators for the presence or absence of SDAP headers, and enabling reconfiguration between 5G CN and EPC networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bearer-based QoS configuration method is applied in the PDCP layer, then the system maintains compatibility with existing LTE infrastructure, but finer QoS adjustment for individual flows becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS management function by introducing a new SDAP layer between the PDCP layer and upper layers. This segmentation allows flow-based QoS configuration to be handled at the SDAP layer while maintaining bearer-based QoS at the PDCP layer, thus achieving finer QoS adjustment without overwhelming complexity in a single layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer (SDAP layer) to the existing protocol stack. This dimensional addition enables flow-based QoS management as a new capability dimension without disrupting the existing bearer-based QoS mechanism, allowing simultaneous support for both coarse and fine-grained QoS control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new SDAP layer is introduced for flow-based QoS processing, then finer QoS control is achieved, but the protocol stack complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments QoS management responsibilities across two layers: the SDAP layer handles flow-based QoS configuration and mapping, while the PDCP layer continues to handle bearer-based QoS. This segmentation distributes complexity across layers rather than concentrating it, making the system more manageable despite the added SDAP layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDAP layer acts as an intermediary between the upper layers (requiring flow-based QoS) and the PDCP layer (using bearer-based QoS). This intermediary performs QoS flow to bearer mapping and manages the transition between different QoS granularities, isolating the complexity of flow-based QoS from the rest of the protocol stack.
3Extent of automation
If reflective QoS mapping is implemented in the SDAP layer, then automatic QoS configuration is improved, but the signaling overhead and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements reflective QoS mapping where the SDAP layer at the receiving end automatically configures QoS parameters by reflecting the QoS information received from the network. This feedback mechanism allows automatic QoS configuration without manual intervention, though it requires sophisticated processing at the SDAP layer to interpret and apply the reflected QoS parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The present invention suggests a method and an operation for configuring a PDCP layer and a service data association protocol (SDAP) layer, thereby facilitating an efficient flow-based QoS process.