QoS Flow Selection for Multi-Access Data Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems for multi-access data connections lack the ability to accurately determine the best quality of service flow for data transmission between 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, leading to measurement inaccuracies when using default quality of service flows instead of target flows.
Innovation Solution
The system enables user equipment (UE) and user plane functions (UPF) to determine whether to perform measurements on specific quality of service flows or default flows, allowing for accurate selection of the best access network based on capabilities and network policies, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurements are performed on default quality of service flow, then measurement process is simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the quality of service flows into default flows and target flows. By separating measurements into default flow measurements (for general access network performance) and target flow measurements (for specific service data flow performance), the system achieves accurate measurement without requiring complete redesign of the measurement process. This segmentation allows selective measurement based on flow type, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capability indication messages exchanged between UE and network before actual measurements occur. These preliminary capability exchanges allow the system to pre-determine whether per-flow measurements are necessary and configure the measurement process accordingly. This preliminary action enables accurate target flow measurements only when needed, avoiding unnecessary complexity in routine measurements.
2Measurement precision
If per quality of service flow measurements are implemented, then measurement accuracy improves, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating measurement requirements based on flow characteristics. Instead of uniformly applying per-flow measurements to all quality of service flows, the system applies enhanced measurements only to target flows that require it. The capability indication mechanism allows selective activation of detailed measurement procedures only when needed, reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining accuracy where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from uniform default flow measurements to differentiated measurements based on flow type (default vs. target). By adjusting the measurement approach based on the specific flow characteristics and capabilities indicated in the capability exchange, the system optimizes the balance between measurement accuracy and signaling overhead, implementing per-flow measurement only when the flow type and network conditions necessitate it.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capability indication mechanism is added, then adaptability improves, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the capability indication mechanism to serve multiple functions: it indicates whether per-flow measurements are supported, determines the appropriate measurement scope (default flow only vs. target flow included), and enables flexible adaptation to different network conditions and flow types. This multi-functional capability exchange resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through a single integrated mechanism rather than multiple separate protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for quality of service flow selection for a multi-access data connection. One apparatus includes a first interface that communicates with a mobile communication network over a first access network. The apparatus includes a second interface that communicates with the mobile communication network over a second access network. The apparatus includes a processor that sends a request message containing a first capability indicating that the apparatus supports measurements per QoS flow. The processor receives a response message containing a first indicator, the first indicator provided in response to containing the first capability in the request message. The processor sends a performance measurement function message to measure a first performance parameter for a first service data flow.