QFI Harmonization Between RAN and 5GC via SDAP Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G system faces challenges in managing Quality of Service (QoS) due to differences in QFI value ranges between the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the 5G Core Network, specifically with 6-bit QFI in RAN and potential 7-bit QFI in 5GC, leading to limitations in supporting reflective QoS flows and bit rate management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to operate wireless terminals and base stations that adapt to both 6-bit and 7-bit QFI formats by mapping NAS QFI to AS QFI, allowing for flexible QoS flow management and increased QFI range support, including the use of SDAP headers with 6-bit and 7-bit QFI configurations based on reflective and non-reflective QoS flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If 6-bit QFI is used in RAN, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the QFI value range is limited and adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of QFI bit length from fixed 6-bit to variable length (6-bit or 7-bit) based on the QoS flow type. For reflective QoS flows, 6-bit QFI is used to simplify processing, while for non-reflective QoS flows, 7-bit QFI is used to expand the value range, thereby adapting to different operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If 7-bit QFI is used in 5GC, then QFI value range is expanded and adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different QFI bit lengths to different locations or contexts within the system. Specifically, 6-bit QFI is used for reflective QoS flows where simplicity is needed, while 7-bit QFI is used for non-reflective QoS flows where larger value range is needed. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by matching complexity to actual requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the QFI bit length dynamic rather than static. The SDAP entity selects between 6-bit and 7-bit QFI formats based on the QoS flow characteristics (reflective or non-reflective). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between simplicity and value range depending on the specific flow requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reflective QoS flows are supported, then service versatility is improved, but QoS management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the QFI parameter format based on the QoS flow type. By using 6-bit QFI for reflective QoS flows, the system reduces the management complexity for these flows while still supporting the versatility of reflective QoS functionality. The shorter bit length simplifies processing and reduces overhead for reflective flows.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods may be provided to operate a wireless terminal in communication with a base station. Such methods may include receiving a Radio Resource Control RRC message from the base station, wherein the RRC message includes information regarding at least one Quality of Service, QoS, flow being reflective and/or non-reflective. Such methods may also include providing communication of a data packet between the wireless terminal and the base station using a non-reflective QoS flow, wherein the data packet includes a data field and a Service Data Application Protocol SDAP header field with a QoS Flow Identity QFI, and wherein the QFI is used for the data packet based on the information from the RRC message. Methods of operating base stations and core network nodes may also be provided. Related wireless terminals, base stations, and core network nodes are also discussed.