QoS Configuration via Access Node Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cellular communication networks lack support for quality of service differentiation between traffic flows, which is essential as they evolve to handle diverse applications with varying requirements, such as instant messaging and online gaming.
Innovation Solution
An access node, like a base station, determines the configuration parameters for wireless terminals to support specific traffic flows by sending configuration commands that set parameters for classification, queue management, scheduling, and automatic repeat request, ensuring the intended quality of service is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional circuit-switched cellular networks are used, then network simplicity is maintained, but quality of service differentiation between traffic flows is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network control functionality by introducing separate quality of service control entities (PDP and PCRF) that operate independently from the core circuit-switched network infrastructure. This allows QoS differentiation to be added through modular components rather than redesigning the entire network, thus reducing the complexity burden while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic QoS parameter adjustment through the PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) that can modify traffic flow characteristics, bandwidth allocations, and service priorities in real-time based on network conditions and user requirements. This dynamic control mechanism enables the network to adapt to diverse applications without requiring permanent structural changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If packet-switched cellular network technologies are deployed to support diverse applications, then adaptability to various traffic flows is improved, but quality of service support mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal QoS framework where the PDP and PCRF entities can serve multiple functions across different packet-switched technologies and applications. The same control mechanism handles diverse traffic flows (instant messaging, online gaming, streaming) through unified policies, reducing the need for separate QoS implementations for each application type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the PDP (Packet Data Policy) and PCRF as intermediary entities that mediate between the packet-switched network infrastructure and the diverse applications. These intermediaries translate application-specific QoS requirements into standardized network control parameters, simplifying the overall QoS support mechanism while maintaining adaptability to various traffic flows.
3Manufacturing precision
If configuration parameters are set manually for each traffic flow, then quality of service precision is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where the PDP and PCRF continuously monitor network performance, traffic flow characteristics, and QoS parameter effectiveness. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts configuration parameters to maintain precise QoS control without requiring manual intervention, thus preserving precision while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the QoS control system to automatically configure and adjust parameters based on pre-defined policies and real-time network conditions. The PCRF and PDP entities self-service by making intelligent decisions about resource allocation and traffic management without human operators, eliminating manual configuration complexity while maintaining precise QoS control through automated policy enforcement.
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AI summary
An access node, e.g., base station, determines a configuration of an end node, e.g., wireless terminal, intended to support a specific traffic flow and sends a configuration command to the wireless terminal. A base station may determine one or more parameters associated with classification, queue management, scheduling, and/or automatic repeat request, and then send a configuration command to the wireless terminal instructing it to implement a configuration operation. In some embodiments, a wireless terminal sets the value of an internal parameter to a value directly provided by the base station in a configuration command. In some embodiments, a wireless terminal determines and sets the value of an internal parameter as a function of information included in the configuration command from the base station.