PDU Session Split via QoS Flow Tunneling in 5G RAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of PDU session split in 5G radio communication networks is unclear, as existing literature lacks detailed signaling mechanisms for coordinating between master and secondary nodes and the core network to achieve this split.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve sending a modification request from a master Radio Access Network (RAN) node to a control plane function in the core network to split a PDU session, moving Quality of Service (QoS) flows from a first tunnel to a second tunnel between the user plane function and a secondary RAN node, enabling PDU session split in a radio communication network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PDU session split is implemented in 5G radio communication networks, then resource allocation efficiency and network connectivity are improved, but the signaling complexity and coordination requirements between master and secondary nodes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PDU session is segmented into multiple QoS flows that can be independently routed through different tunnels (first tunnel to master node, second tunnel to secondary node). This segmentation allows granular control of resource allocation while maintaining manageable signaling through flow-based routing decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary signaling mechanisms where the master node coordinates with the secondary node through standardized interface messages. This intermediary layer manages the complexity of multi-node coordination by providing structured communication protocols that simplify the overall signaling process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If QoS flows are moved between tunnels connecting user plane function to different RAN nodes, then network flexibility and service quality are improved, but the coordination overhead between nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary setup of multiple tunnels and QoS flow mappings before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary configuration establishes the flexible routing paths in advance, allowing quick adaptation to different service requirements without real-time coordination overhead during data flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic QoS flow mapping that can be adjusted based on network conditions and service requirements. The system can dynamically move QoS flows between tunnels and nodes while maintaining coordinated operation, providing network flexibility without proportional increases in coordination overhead through efficient resource management.
Data Source
AI summary
A master RAN node (1) sends, to a control plane function (5) in a core network (4), a modification request for modification of a first PDU session already established between a radio terminal (3) and a user plane function (6) in the core network (4). The modification request implicitly or explicitly indicates that PDU session split is needed for the first PDU session. The modification request causes the control plane function (5) to control the user plane function (6) to move a specific one or more QoS flows of a plurality of QoS flows associated with the first PDU session from a first tunnel between the user plane function (6) and the master RAN node (1) to a second tunnel between the user plane function (6) and a secondary RAN node (2). This contributes, for example, to implementing PDU session split in a radio communication network.