RAN Control Plane Interaction Interface for Bearer Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ensuring Quality of Experience (QoE) in radio communication networks, such as adaptive video streaming, face challenges in accurately estimating throughput between the server and the application in the radio device, particularly when dedicated bearers are used, leading to incorrect bitrate recommendations and increased latency due to incorrect bearer selection and priority issues.
Innovation Solution
A RAN control plane based interaction interface is introduced, utilizing an Interaction Gateway and an interaction container with an API to enable direct communication between the service client and the RAN, allowing for accurate bitrate estimation and priority management through the control plane protocol, independent of the data sent, thereby addressing issues related to bearer selection and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user plane communication is used for interaction between service client and RAN, then communication flexibility is improved, but incorrect bearer selection occurs leading to wrong bitrate recommendations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interaction container as an intermediary structure that carries interaction data between the service client and RAN. This container is transported over the control plane through RRC signaling, ensuring that the interaction data is properly associated with the correct bearer context while maintaining communication flexibility. The container structure includes specific fields for bearer identification and interaction data, enabling accurate routing without sacrificing adaptability.
2Reliability
If dedicated bearers are used for service communication, then service quality is improved, but latency increases due to incorrect bearer selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes the interaction session and bearer context in advance through RRC connection setup and interaction container configuration. The service client and RAN pre-agree on the bearer to be used for interaction, and the interaction container is prepared with the correct bearer identification before actual interaction occurs. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for runtime bearer selection, reducing latency while maintaining the reliability benefits of dedicated bearers.
3Measurement precision
If control plane protocol is used for interaction, then routing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing RRC control plane protocol for multiple purposes: establishing RRC connections, configuring bearers, and carrying interaction containers. The interaction container is integrated into the existing RRC message structure, allowing the same control plane infrastructure to handle both traditional control functions and new interaction functions. This multi-functionality approach improves routing accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity, as it reuses existing protocol mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method performed in a radio device 4 comprising a service client 82 configured for service level communication with a service provider via a Radio Access Network (RAN) to which the radio device is connected. The method is for establishing an interaction session between the service client and the RAN. The method comprises the service client packing first interaction data into a transparent first interaction container 100. The method also comprises transferring the first interaction container, comprising the first interaction data, from the service client to a control plane function in the radio device via an application programming interface (API) 102. The method also comprises sending the first interaction container to the RAN by means of a radio control plane protocol of the control plane function over a radio interface.