Per-Flow QoS Negotiation for Wireless Traffic Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Stream Classification Service (SCS) mechanisms in wireless networks lack the ability to enforce per-flow policies, leading to inefficient management of uplink and downlink data flows and failure to meet end-to-end service level agreements (SLAs) in enterprise settings.
Innovation Solution
A method for negotiating per-flow Stream Classification Service (SCS) policies between access points (APs) and stations (STAs), allowing for the mapping of specific data flows defined by traffic classification and QoS characteristics to a traffic identifier (TID), enabling precise management of network resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If broad SCS policies are applied, then network coverage is improved, but per-flow policy enforcement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SCS mechanism into two distinct components: (1) broad policy templates that provide overall network coverage and direction, and (2) per-flow policy specifications that enable precise control over individual data flows. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both broad applicability and fine-grained control simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different levels of policy detail to be applied to different data flows. While broad SCS policies provide general guidance across the network, specific per-flow policies are applied locally to individual data flows based on their unique requirements, enabling precise control where needed while maintaining overall network-wide coverage.
2Measurement precision
If per-flow policies are enforced, then traffic management precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining policy templates with common SCS parameters and configurations. These templates are established in advance and can be directly applied to multiple data flows, eliminating the need to manually configure each per-flow policy from scratch. This reduces the operational complexity of enforcing per-flow policies while maintaining high precision traffic management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by allowing policy templates to be replicated and applied to multiple data flows. Instead of creating unique policies for each flow, the system copies and adapts standardized templates, significantly reducing the complexity of policy enforcement while maintaining precise per-flow control through minor customizations.
3Reliability
If comprehensive E2E enterprise policies are implemented, then service level agreement compliance is improved, but negotiation overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a two-stage negotiation process where only essential parameters are negotiated in detail, while other parameters are automatically derived from policy templates. This approach ensures SLA compliance for critical metrics while reducing negotiation overhead for less critical parameters that can be inherited or defaulted from template configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides techniques for QoS negotiation for uplink and downlink traffic. A network device receives a Stream Classification Service (SCS) request from an associated station (STA). The SCS request comprises one or more sets of traffic class (TCLAS) information and a preferred traffic identifier (TID) value for a data flow transmitted between the STA and the network device. The network device determines a type of service of the data flow by analyzing the one or more sets of TCLAS information. The network device confirms that the type of service does not align with the preferred TID value under one or more defined network policies. In response to the confirmation, the network device sends an SCS response to the STA comprising adjustments of at least one of the one or more sets of TCLAS information or the preferred TID value to a new TID value.