QCI-Based Access Network Offloading for Dynamic Traffic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP network access technologies lack the ability to dynamically select access networks based on Quality of Service (QoS) classes, limiting the use of multiple network connections for scenarios requiring varying levels of QoS, and existing ANDSF rules are either statically configured or not designed for real-time updates.
Innovation Solution
Implementing ANDSF rules that include QoS classifications, allowing User Equipment (UE) to dynamically select access networks between 3GPP and non-3GPP networks based on QoS indicators, such as the Quality of Service Class Indicator (QCI), enabling differential routing of data traffic flows across different access networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ANDSF rules are statically configured in the UE, then the rules can be set up based on assumptions, but the UE IP address cannot be included in the rules and real-time updates cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static ANDSF rule configuration into a dynamic system by introducing a mapping between QCI values and access network types. The UE can now dynamically select access networks based on real-time QCI assignments for different bearers, enabling adaptability without requiring frequent rule updates. The system maintains reliability through the pre-configured QCI-to-access-network mapping while achieving real-time adaptability through dynamic QCI-based selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter basis for access network selection from static IP addresses or flow-based rules to QCI values. By using QCI as the key parameter, the system can differentiate traffic requirements and map them to appropriate access networks dynamically. This parameter change enables the UE to adapt to different service requirements without needing real-time rule updates, as QCI assignments are already standardized and available.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ANDSF rules are dynamically downloaded, then real-time updates can be provided, but the ANDSF communication is not designed for real-time update
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the mapping between QCI values and access network types in the UE. Instead of requiring real-time dynamic rule downloads, the system prepares the QCI-to-access-network mapping in advance, allowing the UE to make real-time access network selections based on QCI assignments without needing complex real-time communication infrastructure.
3Productivity
If the same server IP address provides multiple services, then resource utilization is improved, but different QoS requirements for different services cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by associating different QCI values with different access network types based on service requirements. Even when multiple services share the same server IP address, the UE can assign different QCI values to different bearers targeting the same server, and route them through different access networks according to their specific QoS needs. This allows differentiated quality treatment for different services while maintaining resource sharing.
4Ease of operation
If APN based ISRP rule is used, then PDN connection setup is simplified, but all traffic within the APN is routed into the selected access network regardless of QoS level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic routing decision by introducing QCI-based differentiation within the APN. Instead of routing all traffic within an APN to a single access network, the system divides traffic into different bearers with different QCI values and routes them to appropriate access networks based on their QoS requirements. This maintains the simplicity of APN-based PDN connection setup while enabling fine-grained QoS-based routing decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A QoS based selection of access network allows a UE to transmit different data traffic flows using different access technologies. The selection is done in accordance with information provided in the ANDSF. This allows a network operator to determine how different data traffic is routed, which can allow for better network utilization planning.