QoS Flow Templates for Wireless Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing flow-based data transmission method in 3GPP access networks is not effectively reusable for ensuring data transmission, leading to challenges in Quality of Service (QoS) management and differentiation across different data flows.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where the core network user plane function entity maps downlink IP flows to data flows, which are then transmitted to the access network user plane function entity, allowing for QoS control and differentiation by setting up bearers based on QoS attributes, and using reflective QoS to manage uplink data flows accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If flow-based data transmission method is used in access network, then data transmission can be simplified, but QoS management and differentiation cannot be effectively ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission complexityVSAvoidQoS management capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the QoS management process into two parts: flow identification in the user plane (simple matching) and QoS parameter management in the control plane (detailed configuration). This allows the user plane to remain simple while enabling comprehensive QoS control through control plane signaling that provides flow templates and QoS parameter associations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces QoS flow templates as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the simple flow-based transmission and complex QoS requirements. These templates, configured by the control plane, enable differentiated QoS handling without complicating the user plane data transmission path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If bearer-based architecture is retained in access network, then QoS control can be maintained, but flow-based transmission method cannot be simply reused

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS control capabilityVSAvoidtransmission method compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal QoS management framework that works with both flow-based and bearer-based architectures. The control plane configures QoS flow templates that can be applied regardless of the underlying transmission architecture, enabling the system to adapt to different deployment scenarios while maintaining consistent QoS control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic QoS configuration where the control plane can adaptively create and modify QoS flow templates based on service requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between different QoS handling modes and accommodate various transmission architectures without requiring fundamental changes to the core mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple data flows are transmitted in access network, then service differentiation is needed, but signaling overheads increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice differentiation capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple flow identification rules into consolidated QoS flow templates that are configured once by the control plane and then reused for multiple data flows. This template-based approach eliminates the need for separate signaling for each individual flow, reducing overhead while maintaining service differentiation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of QoS flow templates by the control plane before actual data transmission. These pre-configured templates contain all necessary QoS parameters and flow matching rules, enabling the user plane to handle multiple differentiated flows without requiring real-time signaling for each flow, thus reducing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3852324B1Wireless communication methods, user equipment and access network device
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3852324B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3852324B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3852324B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a wireless communication method, user equipment, an access network device, and a network system. The method includes: receiving, by an access network device, a first downlink data flow sent by a core network device in a form of a flow; and sending, by the access network device, information to user equipment, where the information includes a mapping relationship between the first downlink data flow and a downlink bearer. Practicing the method ensures data transmission in an access network.