QoS Alignment for Non-3GPP Tethering via SMF Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the 5G architecture, when a UE device is tethered to another, the PLMN lacks the ability to align QoS settings between the tethering UE device and the connected UE device, leading to suboptimal network performance and charging inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a first network entity (SMF) in the PLMN providing a service to a first UE device connected via a radio access network, which then facilitates a short-range connection with a second UE device. The SMF requests the setup of a new connection to a N3IWF and provides information about the connection, including IP addresses and identification of the PDU session. This allows the PLMN to register the second UE device and adapt QoS settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE device is tethered to another UE device via short-range connection, then the connected UE device can access the PLMN through the tethering UE device, but the PLMN cannot align QoS settings between the tethering UE device and the connected UE device
Solution Approach 1:
The SMF receives QoS information from the AMF about the first UE device's connection and uses this feedback to adjust QoS parameters for the second UE device's PDU session. This feedback mechanism enables the PLMN to align QoS settings between tethering and connected devices, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts QoS parameters (such as data rate, latency, packet loss) for the second UE device's PDU session based on the first UE device's connection characteristics. By changing these parameters to match the tethering UE's QoS profile, the PLMN achieves proper QoS alignment while maintaining network performance reliability.
2Reliability
If the PLMN does not have trust relationship with non-3GPP access network, then security is maintained, but QoS settings cannot be aligned between tethering UE and connected UE
Solution Approach 1:
The SMF acts as an intermediary between the non-3GPP access network (tethering UE) and the PLMN core network. It receives QoS information from the AMF, processes this information, and applies appropriate QoS settings to the second UE device's PDU session. This intermediary role enables QoS alignment while maintaining security through the established AMF authentication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The AMF performs preliminary authentication and authorization of the first UE device before enabling tethering functionality. This preliminary action establishes trust relationships and QoS parameters in advance, allowing the PLMN to safely align QoS settings for connected devices without compromising security.
3Ease of operation
If the first UE device provides internet access to the second UE device via WLAN, then the second UE device can access the internet through the first UE device's connection, but the PLMN cannot accurately allocate costs for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF provides feedback information about the first UE device's subscription and QoS parameters to the SMF. This feedback enables the SMF to accurately identify the relationship between tethering and connected devices, allocate costs properly, and maintain charging accuracy while preserving ease of operation for tethering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The PDU session establishment procedure serves multiple functions: it establishes the data connection, aligns QoS settings, identifies the tethering relationship for charging purposes, and configures necessary network parameters. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving accurate charging information allocation without complicating the user experience.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method of establishing a connection of a communication device to a communications network over a non-3GPP interworking function, N3IWF, entity the method comprising a user equipment, UE, device establishing a connection with the communication device; receiving at the UE device a registration request from the communication device, the registration request indicating that the communication device requires a connection to the N3IWF entity, establishing a connection of the UE device to a first data network providing access to the N3IWF and a connection of the communication device to the data network via the connection of the UE device to the first data network, and adapting a quality of service setting of the connection of the UE device to the communications network to take into account a quality of service requirement for the connection of the communication device to the first data network via the UE device..