RAN Node SLC Aware Control Signalling Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks lack a mechanism to identify and handle Service Layer Control (SLC) Aware control signalling, particularly for zero-rating and processing SLC Aware control signalling across different bearers, which is essential for efficient resource allocation and charging in mobile networks.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to identify and process SLC Aware control signalling by using identifiers such as predefined bit sequences, checksum values, or fields in packet headers, allowing SLC Aware control packets to be sent on the same bearer as regular data packets, enabling RAN nodes to recognize and process them, and core network user plane gateways to apply zero-rating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If SLC Aware control signalling is sent using the same bearer as regular data packets, then resource efficiency is improved and charging overhead is reduced, but the ability to identify and process control signalling separately is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific packets within the data flow distinguishable through unique identifiers. While all packets share the same bearer for efficiency, control packets are marked with specific identification mechanisms (such as unique IP addresses, port combinations, or protocol characteristics) that allow the RAN node to selectively identify and process only the control signalling packets without affecting the overall data flow efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If SLC Aware control signalling is removed from the data flow before sending to UE, then charging accuracy is improved by enabling zero-rating, but the complexity of packet processing is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the identification and separation of control signalling packets at an early stage in the network path, specifically at the RAN node before packets are forwarded to the UE. This preliminary processing enables the charging system to accurately identify and zero-rate control signalling packets without requiring complex processing at later stages such as the UE or charging gateway, thereby distributing the processing complexity to where it is most effective.
3Loss of information
If identifiers are embedded in packet headers for SLC Aware control signalling, then control signalling identification is improved, but the overhead of packet processing is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the color changes principle by using distinct identification markers in packet headers that are easily recognizable and processable. These identifiers (such as specific IP address combinations, port numbers, or protocol field values) act like unique 'colors' or 'tags' that allow the RAN node to quickly differentiate control signalling packets from regular data packets without requiring complex analysis, thereby minimizing processing overhead while maintaining reliable identification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for handling Service Layer Control Aware control signalling between a service layer control node and a Radio Access Network, the signalling being associated with a data flow of a User Equipment, the User Equipment being associated with a Radio Access Network node. The Radio Access Network node receives a data flow comprising a plurality of data packets sent using a bearer towards the User Equipment. It determines whether a data packet in the data flow includes an identifier indicating that the data packet relates to control signalling. A data packet that is found to relate to control signalling is removed from the data flow, to produce a modified data flow, which is sent towards the User Equipment. This allows the Radio Access Network node to become aware of control related signalling such that it can be processed.