Packet Flow Description Updates for Dynamic 3-Tuple Traffic

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) cannot accurately determine Application Identifiers (IDs) corresponding to traffic, leading to inaccuracies in Policy Control and Charging (PCC) due to frequent changes in IP 3-tuples that are not promptly updated in the Network Exposure Function (NEF) and User Plane Function (UPF).

Innovation Solution

A method and network nodes that identify application IDs by using pre-obtained application classifiers or traffic characteristics, updating Packet Flow Description (PFD) information when 3-tuple changes are detected, ensuring timely transmission to the UPF via the Session Management Function (SMF).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the AF adds or changes IP 3-tuple frequently, then the network can adapt to changing traffic patterns, but the NEF and UPF cannot be promptly notified, leading to inaccurate PCC execution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to traffic pattern changesVSAvoidnotification delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The UPF proactively detects 3-tuple changes and prepares PFD information updates before formal notification is required. By continuously monitoring packet flows and maintaining local PFD information, the UPF is ready to send updates immediately upon detecting changes, eliminating notification delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The UPF continuously monitors packet flows and provides feedback about 3-tuple changes to the NEF. This feedback mechanism ensures that the NEF and SMF are promptly notified of any changes, enabling timely updates to PFD information and accurate PCC execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the NWDAF only analyzes IP 3-tuple without Application ID, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of traffic analysis deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis system complexityVSAvoidtraffic analysis precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the functions of IP 3-tuple analysis (performed by NWDAF) and Application ID identification (performed by UPF using PFD information). This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its strength while maintaining overall system efficiency and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

PFD information acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple IP 3-tuple analysis and precise Application ID identification. The UPF uses PFD information to identify Application IDs based on packet flow characteristics, providing accurate traffic analysis without requiring the NWDAF to handle complex identification tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the UPF continuously monitors packet flows for 3-tuple changes, then the accuracy of PCC policy execution is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCC policy execution accuracyVSAvoidUPF energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The UPF performs periodic sampling of packet flows to detect 3-tuple changes rather than continuously analyzing every packet. This periodic monitoring approach maintains accurate PCC policy execution while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12507113B2Data transmission method, related network node and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD

AI summary

A data transmission method includes that: a first network node identifies an application identifier corresponding to second flow information of a packet flow; and when it is determined that 3-tuple information corresponding to the packet flow is changed from first 3-tuple information to second 3-tuple information, or is newly added second 3-tuple information, sending second packet flow description (PFD) information of the packet flow to a third network node, where the second PFD information includes the second 3-tuple information and the application identifier.