Multiple QoS Flows in Unstructured PDU Sessions via SMF Identifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G networks, as defined by 3GPP standards, can only support one Quality of Service (QoS) flow within an unstructured PDU session, limiting the ability to manage multiple QoS flows simultaneously, which is essential for diverse applications.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method in the Session Management Function (SMF) that utilizes a UE-specific Application Identifier and an Application-Specific Packet Filter Set Identifier to establish and manage multiple QoS flows within an unstructured PDU session, reducing NAS signaling overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If unstructured PDU session is used to support multiple different sessions, then versatility is improved, but QoS differentiation deteriorates because all sessions are treated with the same QoS

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to support multiple different sessionsVSAvoidQoS differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the QoS management by introducing packet filter sets that can be independently configured for different applications within the same unstructured PDU session. Each packet filter set contains packet detection rules that enable the network to differentiate and apply appropriate QoS parameters to specific traffic flows, thereby maintaining QoS differentiation while supporting multiple sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different QoS parameters to be applied to different packet filter sets within the same PDU session. Each packet filter set can have its own QoS characteristics (such as 5QI, GBR, MBR), enabling fine-grained QoS control for specific applications or traffic types while maintaining a unified session structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If multiple QoS flows are supported in unstructured PDU session, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional packet filter sets and identifiers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibility and efficiencyVSAvoidpacket filter sets and identifiers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex packet filter details from the session management signaling and replaces them with compact packet filter set identifiers. The actual packet filter rules are stored and managed separately in the network (in the SMF or UDR), allowing the UE to reference them using simple identifiers in NAS messages, thereby reducing signaling overhead and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates abstract representations of packet filter sets with unique identifiers that can be referenced multiple times. Instead of transmitting full packet filter definitions in each signaling message, the system uses copied references (identifiers) that point to the actual filter sets stored in the network, reducing the amount of data that needs to be processed and transmitted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If detailed packet filters are specified in 3GPP Technical Specifications, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to standardization constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket filter specificityVSAvoidstandardization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the detailed packet filter definitions from the standardized NAS layer to the network-side configuration layer. This dimensional shift allows detailed filters to be managed flexibly in the network (in the SMF or UDR) without constraining the standardized interface, enabling both precise filtering and ease of standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces packet filter set identifiers as intermediaries between the UE and the detailed packet filter rules. The identifiers serve as a standardized interface that the UE can use without needing to understand or process the complex filter details, while the network maintains the ability to enforce precise filtering rules through these referenced sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10980084B2Supporting multiple QOS flows for unstructured PDU sessions in wireless system using non-standardized application information

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method in a session management function (SMF) of a network. The method comprises: receiving a session request message from a user equipment (UE), the session request message comprising: an identifier of the UE; a UE-specific application identifier that uniquely identifies a particular application among a set of one or more applications implemented on the UE; and an application-specific packet filter set identifier that uniquely identifies a particular packet filter set among a group of one or more packet filter sets supported by the particular application. A protocol data unit (PDU) session is established based at least in part on the identifier of the UE, the UE-specific application identifier, and the application-specific packet filter set identifier.