5G QoS Flow Mapping for Packet Delay Distinction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, distinguishing between packet delay parameters of service flows transmitted by different protocol data unit (PDU) session anchor user plane functions (UPFs) is challenging due to varying scheduling durations across different UPFs, leading to difficulties in ensuring end-to-end quality of service.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a session management network element determines the packet delay parameters by establishing a second QoS flow if no matching flow exists, and sends a message with identification information and packet delay parameters to the access network element, allowing it to distinguish between packet delay parameters of different service flows transmitted by different UPFs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PSA UPFs are deployed in different locations to provide service, then service coverage and flexibility are improved, but the ability to distinguish packet delay parameters of different service flows deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments service flows by creating separate QoS flows for different PSA UPFs. Each QoS flow is assigned a unique QoS flow identifier (QFI) that corresponds to a specific PSA UPF, enabling the access network element to distinguish and manage packet delay parameters for each UPF independently through separate QoS flow handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping relationship between QoS flow identifiers (QFI) and PSA UPF identifiers. This mapping acts as a mediator that enables the access network element to translate received QFIs into corresponding PSA UPF identities, thereby recovering the lost distinction information about which PSA UPF transmitted each service flow
2Device complexity
If existing QoS flow management is used without UPF-specific identification, then system complexity is reduced, but the precision of packet delay parameter management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds PSA UPF identification information within the existing QoS flow framework by nesting the PSA UPF identifier mapping inside the QoS flow identifier (QFI). This nested structure allows the access network element to extract UPF-specific information from the QFI without adding external complexity, maintaining system simplicity while achieving precise packet delay parameter management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interpretation and usage of the QoS flow identifier (QFI) parameter. Instead of using QFI only for general QoS flow identification, the patent assigns specific QFIs to correspond to specific PSA UPFs, transforming the QFI into a dual-purpose identifier that simultaneously indicates both the QoS flow and the transmitting PSA UPF, thereby enabling precise packet delay parameter management
Data Source
AI summary
A packet delay parameter obtaining method, apparatus, and system are provided. The method provides a session management network element determines whether a first QoS flow satisfying a parameter condition exists, where the first parameter indicates information corresponding to a PSA UPF transmitting the first QoS flow, the first parameter indicating information corresponding to a PSA UPF transmitting the first service flow. If no first QoS flow satisfying the parameter condition exists, a second QoS flow for the first service flow is established, and the session management network element sends a first message to an access network element, the first message including identification information of the second QoS flow and a packet delay parameter corresponding to the second QoS flow.