Policy Control Network Element for Dynamic 5G Traffic Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing traffic steering control in 5G networks relies on static management methods, which are not flexible enough to adapt to dynamic network deployments and application dynamics, limiting the ability to dynamically generate traffic steering policies on demand.

Innovation Solution

A communication system incorporating a policy control network element that dynamically obtains traffic steering policy information from a first network element, such as a data storage network element or edge computing platform, to dynamically configure traffic steering policies based on service information or requirements, including location information to optimize service routing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traffic steering policy information is preconfigured in core network nodes using static management methods, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot dynamically adapt to changing network conditions and service requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of traffic steering controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic traffic steering policy generation by allowing the policy control network element to create policies on-demand based on service information and network conditions, rather than relying on static preconfigured policies. This enables the system to adapt flexibly to changing requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through automated policy generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a policy control network element as an intermediary between the service management system and the traffic steering execution. This intermediary dynamically generates and manages traffic steering policies, bridging the gap between simple static configuration and complex dynamic adaptation needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If static traffic steering policies are used, then the system is easy to deploy and maintain, but it cannot dynamically generate traffic steering policies on demand to optimize service transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice transmission efficiencyVSAvoidease of policy management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the policy control network element to automatically generate traffic steering policies based on service information and network conditions without requiring manual configuration. This self-service approach optimizes service transmission efficiency through dynamic policy generation while maintaining ease of operation through automated management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If dynamic traffic steering policies are implemented, then the system can adapt to network conditions and reduce end-to-end delay, but the system complexity increases due to dynamic policy generation and management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveend-to-end delayVSAvoidpolicy management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the policy control network element monitors network conditions and service performance, then dynamically adjusts traffic steering policies accordingly. This feedback-driven approach reduces end-to-end delay by optimizing routes in real-time while managing complexity through automated control loops

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4024779B1Communication method, device and system
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4024779B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4024779B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4024779B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system. The method includes: A policy control network element receives first information, where the first information is service information or a traffic steering requirement, and the traffic steering requirement includes at least one service function. The policy control network element obtains first traffic steering policy information from a first network element based on the first information, where the first traffic steering policy information includes at least one piece of traffic steering policy information, and the traffic steering policy information is used to indicate network elements corresponding to the at least one service function and a sequence in which service data passes through the network elements corresponding to the at least one service function. Based on the foregoing solution, the policy control network element can dynamically obtain the corresponding traffic steering policy information from the first network element based on the first information, thereby dynamically configuring a traffic steering policy.