Uplink Data Rate Boosts Via Local RAN Execution

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio access networks lack efficient mechanisms for implementing temporary data rate boosts without the invasive signaling and latency issues associated with the NAS level approach, particularly in uplink flows.

Innovation Solution

Implementing methods and apparatuses that allow for data rate boosts to be controlled directly between the UE and Access Nodes of the RAN, avoiding end-to-end signaling with the core network, by using explicit indications for bit rate boosts rather than modifying packet data unit sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If NAS level procedure (PDU session modification) is used to implement data rate boost, then QoS flow can be dynamically modified, but signaling load and latency increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQoS flow dynamic modification capabilityVSAvoidsignaling latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data rate boost control into two parts: core network decides whether to authorize a boost, but the actual boost execution and timing are handled by the RAN (gNB) independently. This segmentation allows fast RAN-level execution without waiting for heavy NAS signaling round-trips for every boost detail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the data rate boost execution function from the NAS layer and places it in the RAN layer. The gNB can independently manage the actual data rate boosting based on local conditions, separating the control decision (CN) from the execution (RAN), thereby reducing signaling overhead for the execution phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If NAS level procedure (PDU session modification) is used to implement data rate boost, then QoS flow can be dynamically modified, but signaling resources are consumed excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQoS flow dynamic modification capabilityVSAvoidsignaling load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data rate boost control into two parts: core network decides whether to authorize a boost, but the actual boost execution and timing are handled by the RAN (gNB) independently. This segmentation allows fast RAN-level execution without waiting for heavy NAS signaling round-trips for every boost detail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the data rate boost execution function from the NAS layer and places it in the RAN layer. The gNB can independently manage the actual data rate boosting based on local conditions, separating the control decision (CN) from the execution (RAN), thereby reducing signaling overhead for the execution phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If end-to-end signaling between UE and CN is used for data rate boost, then policy control is maintained, but control signaling effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolicy controlVSAvoidcontrol signaling effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the gNB as an intermediary that receives policy authorization from the PCF but executes the data rate boost locally without requiring continuous CN involvement. The gNB acts as a mediator between CN policy decisions and UE data transmission, enabling autonomous execution based on pre-authorized parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gNB performs self-service by autonomously managing data rate boosts based on authorization from the core network. Once authorized, the RAN independently handles the boost execution, timing, and duration without requiring continuous CN signaling, allowing the system to serve itself while maintaining policy control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12445896B2Control of data rate boosts in radio access networks

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

There are provided measures for control of data rate boosts in radio access networks. Such measures exemplarily comprise, at an access node in a mobile network, receiving (S51), from a core network entity in said mobile network, an indication in relation to a data rate boost with respect to an uplink flow of a terminal, and preparing (S52) said data rate boost based on said indication.