RAN Data Unit Offloading for XR Packet Delay Budgets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face challenges in handling XR applications with strict packet delay budgets (PDBs) due to variable traffic sizes and radio conditions, leading to potential packet discards and decreased Quality of Experience (QoE) when packets are not received within the required latency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods for offloading data units from a first RAN node to a second RAN node when the first node cannot meet the PDB, utilizing QoS flow association, QoS offloading, split bearers, and PDCP duplication to ensure timely delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data units are transmitted by a single RAN node, then transmission simplicity is maintained, but packet delay budget cannot be satisfied when traffic load is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission function by dividing data units into different QoS flows that can be handled by different RAN nodes. Each RAN node handles specific segmented flows, allowing parallel processing and meeting delay budgets while maintaining manageable complexity through clear segmentation boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of transmission by enabling data units to be transmitted through multiple RAN nodes simultaneously via different QoS flows. This multi-dimensional transmission approach allows the system to meet strict delay budgets by providing alternative transmission paths when single-node transmission is insufficient.
2Reliability
If data units are offloaded to multiple RAN nodes, then packet delay budget is satisfied, but QoS flow association complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where RAN nodes monitor transmission performance and QoS flow status, then dynamically adjust data unit routing and offloading decisions. This feedback loop enables timely packet delivery while automatically managing QoS flow associations without excessive manual configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables RAN nodes to autonomously manage QoS flow associations and make offloading decisions based on local conditions and received feedback. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity of managing multiple QoS flows across RAN nodes while maintaining reliable timely delivery.
3Reliability
If PDB is strictly enforced, then quality of experience is maintained, but packet discard rate increases when load is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively offloading data units to multiple RAN nodes before the packet delay budget expires. This advance routing decision prevents packet discards while maintaining quality of experience, as packets are distributed across multiple paths in advance rather than being discarded when single-node transmission fails to meet PDB.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed. In an example, a method performed by a first Radio Access Network (RAN) node for sending a data unit to a second RAN node is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a first data unit for transmission to a User Equipment (UE), determining that a packet delay budget (PDB) for the first data unit and/or a set of data units including the first data unit will not be satisfied by transmission of the first data unit and/or the set of data units by the first RAN node, and sending the first data unit to a second RAN node for transmission to the UE.