QUIC Traffic Steering Across Multi-Access Networks With Delay Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access traffic steering technologies, such as Multi-Path TCP (MPTCP) and ATSSS-Low Layer (ATSSS-LL), face limitations in handling non-TCP traffic and lack the ability to measure transmission delays, leading to inefficient routing of data traffic across multiple access networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a new ATSSS low-layer steering functionality based on the QUIC protocol, known as QUIC-LL, which establishes multiple QUIC connections over each access network to manage data traffic, enabling efficient routing and delay measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MPTCP or ATSSS-LL steering functionality is used, then traffic can be routed over multiple access networks, but the system cannot measure transmission delays and route traffic to the access network with the smallest delay
Solution Approach 1:
The QUIC protocol enables the system to measure transmission delays autonomously using built-in RTT (round-trip time) measurement mechanisms. Each QUIC connection inherently tracks RTT metrics, eliminating the need for separate measurement protocols or additional complexity in the steering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The QUIC protocol serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides transport layer communication, measures transmission delays through RTT tracking, and enables intelligent traffic steering decisions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating measurement capabilities directly into the existing protocol without adding separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple steering connections are established over each access network, then traffic routing flexibility improves, but the complexity of managing and steering traffic across these connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors RTT metrics from each QUIC connection and uses this feedback to dynamically steer traffic. The SMF (Session Management Function) receives RTT measurements and adjusts routing decisions in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that manages multiple connections efficiently without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes routing parameters (which access network to use) based on RTT parameter measurements. By monitoring RTT values and adjusting routing decisions accordingly, the system achieves flexible traffic steering while keeping management complexity low through automated parameter-based decision-making.
3Productivity
If QUIC-LL creates multiple connections over each access network, then it can route non-TCP traffic efficiently, but the complexity of implementing and managing these connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SMF acts as an intermediary that manages QUIC connection establishment and coordination between the UE and UPF. It handles the complexity of managing multiple connections by centralizing control functions, while the actual data transmission benefits from efficient QUIC protocol operation across multiple access networks.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for steering the traffic of the multi-access data connection over a plurality of steering connections. One apparatus includes a includes a transceiver and a processor that sends a first message to establish a multi-access data connection over a first access network and a second access network, where the first message indicates that the apparatus supports a first type of steering functionality that creates a plurality of steering connections over each of access networks. The processor receives a second message including rules indicating how to route a first data packet across the first and second access networks and how to route the first data packet across a plurality of steering connections. The processor establishes a plurality of steering connections over each access network in response to the second message and applies the rules for steering traffic of the multi-access data connection.