Uplink SDAP Header Signaling for QoS Flow DRB Remapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current specifications allow only the network/gNB to trigger updates of QoS flow to DRB mapping, leading to potential delays and degradation of service due to filled data queues at the UE side, which can affect user experience when packets do not arrive within latency bounds.
Innovation Solution
User Equipment (UE) is enabled to influence the selection of DRB resources by requesting a remapping of QoS flows through an indication in the uplink SDAP header or RRC signaling, allowing dynamic adaptation of QoS flow to DRB mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only the network/gNB triggers QoS flow to DRB mapping updates, then network control over resource allocation is maintained, but data queues at the UE side can fill up quickly causing delays and service degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary assessment of queue status and proactively requests QoS flow remapping before queues become completely filled, preventing delays rather than reacting to them. The UE monitors buffer status and triggers remapping requests in advance when thresholds are approached.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE provides feedback to the network about its queue status and mapping needs through uplink signaling. The network uses this feedback to make informed decisions about remapping requests, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual UE conditions.
2Loss of time
If the UE proactively requests QoS flow remapping, then data queue management is improved and latency is reduced, but additional signaling overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The UE uses partial action by sending remapping requests only when necessary (when queue thresholds are exceeded), rather than continuously signaling. This selective approach reduces overhead while still achieving the latency reduction benefit when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies existing SDAP header parameters (using reserved bits or existing fields) to convey remapping requests, rather than introducing entirely new signaling messages. This leverages existing protocol structures to minimize the overhead increase.
3Reliability
If QoS flow to DRB mapping is dynamically remapped, then service quality is improved and latency bounds are met, but mapping table complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping table is made dynamic, allowing entries to be added, modified, or removed based on current network conditions and UE needs. The UE can request remapping of specific QoS flows to different DRBs, and the mapping table adapts accordingly rather than remaining static.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping table management is segmented into discrete, manageable operations. Each remapping request targets specific QoS flows rather than requiring complete table reconfiguration, allowing incremental updates and simpler processing of individual mapping changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) configured to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session including one or more quality of service (QoS) flows and multiple data radio bearers (DRB) for communications with a network, decode, from signaling received from the network, or determine an initial mapping table for a Qos flow to DRB mapping based on a network configuration of mapping parameters, determine a first QoS flow to map or remap to a new or different DRB and configure transceiver circuitry to transmit a request to the network for the first Qos flow to be mapped or remapped to the new or different DRB.