PDN Gateway Group QoS Enforcement via HSS Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP systems lack the ability to control quality of service parameters, such as maximum bit rate, for groups of mobile entities accessing a packet-switched network, as these parameters are defined per bearer or subscriber rather than per group.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a mobile entity's attach procedure to a packet-switched network involves receiving an attach request, updating the subscriber database for group-related profiles, and selecting a PDN gateway based on maximum bit rate information to ensure all group members connect to the same gateway, enforcing the common quality of service parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If quality of service parameters are controlled per bearer or per subscriber as in current 3GPP systems, then individual subscriber service quality is maintained, but the ability to enforce common quality of service parameters for a group of mobile entities is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS control mechanism by introducing a group identifier that links multiple subscribers to a common QoS profile. The system divides QoS management into individual subscriber level (maintaining existing per-subscriber control) and group level (enforcing common parameters), allowing both individual and collective QoS enforcement without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring group QoS parameters and storing them in the HSS database before actual data transmission occurs. When a subscriber attaches to the network, the system proactively retrieves group QoS information and enforces it through the PDN gateway, avoiding the need for real-time negotiations or complex runtime decisions
2Reliability
If multiple PDN gateways are used for group members, then network load is distributed, but enforcement of common maximum bit rate limits becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the QoS control function for group members by ensuring they all connect to the same PDN gateway. This is achieved through the HSS storing and providing consistent group QoS parameters to the MME, which then directs all group members to a common gateway. The merging eliminates the need for complex inter-gateway coordination while ensuring reliable enforcement of common bit rate limits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the PDN gateway monitors actual bit rate consumption of group members and reports back to the network. This feedback loop enables the system to detect QoS violations and enforce corrective actions, ensuring that common maximum bit rate limits are reliably maintained across all group members accessing through the same gateway
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the maximum bit rate for a bearer used for data transmission over a packet-switched network using a specified access point for a group of mobile entities. A PDN gateway enforces the maximum bit rate for the group, the APN group AMBR. This is possible as all mobile entities belonging to said group are connected to the same PDN gateway for a certain access point name APN. This is obtained by providing a PDN gateway information into an update location acknowledgement message sent from the HSS to the MME.