QoS Flow Splitting Across Master Nodes for Stable 5G Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transitioning to 5G wireless systems with Dual Connectivity (DC) is challenging under a multi-vendor environment, necessitating a method to stabilize initial coverage without relying on DC.
Innovation Solution
A network node that manages QoS flow distribution and splitting between two master nodes, utilizing a reception and transmission unit to facilitate PDU session establishment and modification requests, enabling stabilization of coverage during system transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Dual Connectivity is adopted to stabilize initial coverage during wireless system deployment, then coverage stability is improved, but implementation difficulty increases in multi-vendor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS flow management by introducing a master node identifier to distinguish between first master node (5G) and second master node (4G) QoS flows. This segmentation allows independent management of QoS flows across different network types, resolving the implementation complexity while maintaining coverage stability through dual connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to QoS flow management by introducing the master node identifier as a distinguishing attribute. This dimensional change enables the system to handle QoS flows from multiple master nodes simultaneously, solving the multi-vendor implementation difficulty while preserving coverage reliability.
2Reliability
If QoS flow splitting is implemented across multiple master nodes, then coverage stabilization is achieved, but message processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the master node identifier in the QoS flow establishment phase. This allows the network to anticipate and prepare for QoS flow splitting across multiple master nodes before actual data transmission begins, reducing message processing complexity during runtime while achieving coverage stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The master node identifier acts as an intermediary element that mediates between multiple master nodes and the QoS flow management system. This intermediary enables clear distinction and routing of QoS flows without requiring complex inter-node communication protocols, thus stabilizing coverage while simplifying message processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network node includes: a reception unit configured to receive a message including a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session establishment request and a master node identifier corresponding to a first master node from an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function); and a transmission unit configured to transmit a PFCP (Packet Forwarding Control Protocol) session establishment request to UPF (User plane function) so that the first master node accommodates a QoS (Quality of Service) flow. The transmission unit transmits a first message including a PDU session establishment accept, an indication of a request for a PDU session branch configuration via another master node, and the master node identifier corresponding to the first master node to the AMF, the reception unit receives a second message including information indicating splitting of the QoS flow and the master node identifier corresponding to the first master node from the AMF, the transmission unit transmits a PFCP session modification request to the UPF so that the first master node accommodates a part of the QoS flow, the reception unit receives a third message including a PDU session modification request and a master node identifier corresponding to a second master node from the AMF, and the transmission unit transmits a PFCP session modification request to the UPF so that the second master node accommodates a part of the QoS flow.