RAN-Aware Traffic Distribution Rules for 5G Access Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ATSSS rules do not incorporate RAN measurements to dynamically adjust traffic distribution across 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks based on radio access network conditions or congestion levels, leading to inefficient radio resource usage and reactive network performance management.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating RAN measurements into ATSSS rules to enable proactive traffic distribution management by using RAN-aware multi-access traffic management, which includes new candidate RAN measurements and implementation proposals to update traffic distribution rules based on real-time radio access network load indicators and UE-specific RAN condition indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ATSSS rules do not incorporate RAN measurements, then the system complexity is lower, but the traffic distribution efficiency and radio resource usage improve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where RAN measurements (radio link quality, delay statistics, congestion levels) are continuously collected and fed back to the SMF to dynamically adjust ATSSS rules. This closed-loop feedback enables proactive traffic distribution optimization based on real-time network conditions, resolving the contradiction by making the system adaptive without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting RAN measurements in advance and using them to proactively adjust traffic distribution before congestion severely impacts performance. The system anticipates network conditions and pre-adjusts routing decisions, improving traffic distribution efficiency without waiting for degradation to occur.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RAN measurements are incorporated into ATSSS rules, then traffic distribution adapts to network conditions, but the measurement and processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively measuring and processing only the most critical RAN parameters (radio link quality, delay statistics, congestion levels) rather than all possible network metrics. This targeted approach provides sufficient adaptability while minimizing measurement and processing overhead, avoiding excessive time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining continuous RAN measurement collection and real-time traffic distribution adjustment. The system operates continuously to adapt to changing network conditions, ensuring that traffic routing remains optimized without interruption, thereby reducing the impact of measurement and processing time on overall performance.
3Reliability
If reactive traffic management is used, then the implementation is simpler, but the network performance degradation is not addressed timely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from reactive to proactive management by using RAN measurements to anticipate network conditions and adjust traffic distribution before performance degradation occurs. The system performs preliminary actions based on measured parameters, enabling timely intervention to maintain network reliability without waiting for problems to manifest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where RAN measurements continuously inform traffic distribution decisions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond timely to changing network conditions, maintaining high network reliability through continuous adaptation rather than relying on simple reactive thresholds.
Data Source
AI summary
Present disclosure may relate to an apparatus comprising: memory to store ran access network (RAN) load indicator information or user equipment (UE)-specific RAN condition indicator information; and processing circuitry, coupled with the memory, to: retrieve the RAN load indicator information or UE-specific RAN condition indicator information from the memory; and encode a measurement report message for transmission that includes the RAN load indicator information or UE-specific RAN condition indicator information.