SDAP-Assisted QoS Flow Routing for LTE Dual Connectivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in LTE dual connectivity scenarios lack flexibility and efficiency in managing data transmission based on Quality of Service (QoS) flows, leading to inefficiencies in path selection and increased signaling overheads.
Innovation Solution
A communication method that allows QoS flows to be transmitted through multiple paths using the SDAP layer of either the master or secondary node, with flexible path selection and dynamic adjustment, enabling QoS flow granularity-based path selection and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bearer granularity-based path selection is used in LTE dual connectivity, then transmission paths are supported, but QoS flow-based management flexibility is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the path selection mechanism from bearer-level to QoS flow-level granularity. Each QoS flow can be independently assigned to different transmission paths (MCG or SCG), allowing fine-grained control where individual flows within a bearer can take different routes based on their specific QoS requirements, rather than all flows in a bearer following the same path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic path selection capabilities where the network can flexibly assign QoS flows to different paths based on current network conditions, QoS requirements, and load balancing considerations. The mapping between QoS flows and bearers, and the selection of transmission paths, can be dynamically adjusted without requiring bearer reconfiguration
2Productivity
If multiple transmission paths are supported for QoS flows, then communication efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by enabling path selection only at the QoS flow level when needed, rather than requiring full bearer-level path selection mechanisms. The network can selectively apply multi-path transmission to specific QoS flows that benefit from it, while other flows use simpler single-path transmission, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead for all flows
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the granularity parameter of path selection from bearer-level to QoS flow-level. This parameter change allows more precise control where only the necessary flows use complex multi-path routing, reducing overall signaling overhead compared to applying bearer-level path selection to all flows
3Adaptability or versatility
If QoS flows are transmitted through multiple paths, then transmission flexibility is improved, but path selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the SDAP layer as an intermediary that sits between the QoS flow management and the underlying bearer/path selection mechanisms. The SDAP layer handles QoS flow to bearer mapping and path selection in a standardized manner, shielding the complexity from upper layers while enabling flexible path selection for multiple QoS flows
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
This application provides a communication method, an apparatus, and a system, to improve communication efficiency. The method includes: sending, by a node, first indication information to a terminal device, where the first indication information is used to indicate to transmit a first QoS flow by using a first bearer, the node is a master node or a secondary node, and a protocol stack corresponding to the first bearer supports transmission of the QoS flow through a first path, where the first path passes through a service data adaptation protocol SDAP layer of the master node and a protocol layer below an SDAP layer of the secondary node, or the first path passes through an SDAP layer of the secondary node and a protocol layer below an SDAP layer of the master node; and transmitting, by the node, the first QoS flow by using the first bearer.