SOAP Layer Flow-Based QoS Configuration for 5G UE
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE systems, QoS adjustments are limited to a bearer-based approach, making finer adjustments impossible at the core and access network levels, and there is a need for a method to configure a PDCP layer and a new SOAP layer to support flow-based QoS in next-generation mobile communication systems, especially for efficient data transmission and reception procedures, including handling inactive states and connections to both NR and LTE networks.
Innovation Solution
A flow-based QoS configuration method is introduced, with a new SOAP layer on the PDCP layer to process flow-based QoS, allowing for efficient data transmission and reception procedures even when a UE is in an inactive state, and enabling reconfiguration of a UE registered in a 5G CN to connect to an EPC for unsupported functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bearer-based QoS configuration method is used in LTE systems, then the system maintains simplicity and compatibility with existing networks, but finer QoS adjustments at the core and access network levels become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS configuration into two distinct layers: bearer-based QoS for macro-level control and flow-based QoS for fine-grained control. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compatibility with existing LTE bearer-based mechanisms while introducing new flow-level granularity through the SOAP layer, thereby resolving the contradiction between QoS adjustment granularity and configuration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to QoS configuration by adding the SOAP (Service Data Association Protocol) layer above the existing PDCP layer. This dimensional addition enables flow-based QoS adjustments without disrupting the underlying bearer-based structure, allowing fine-grained QoS control while preserving system simplicity and backward compatibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new SOAP layer is introduced above the PDCP layer to support flow-based QoS, then finer QoS adjustments become possible, but the device complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SOAP layer is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse QoS requirements through a unified structure. It can simultaneously support flow-based QoS, reflective QoS mapping, and interaction with both 5G CN and EPC networks, thereby achieving fine-grained QoS adjustments without proportionally increasing complexity through multiple separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The SOAP layer acts as an intermediary between the upper layer protocols and the lower PDCP layer, mediating QoS configurations and data associations. This intermediary role allows the system to introduce flow-based QoS functionality while isolating the complexity within the SOAP layer itself, preventing it from propagating throughout the entire system architecture
3Productivity
If the UE maintains connection in inactive state for efficient data transmission, then data transmission efficiency improves, but connection management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the SOAP layer and establishing flow-to-bearer mappings before data transmission begins. The reflective QoS mapping mechanism pre-associates QoS flows with data radio bearers, so when data arrives in inactive state, the UE can efficiently route it without establishing complex connections at that moment, thereby improving transmission efficiency while managing connection complexity proactively
4Adaptability or versatility
If the UE is reconfigured to connect to EPC from 5G CN, then access to functions not available in 5G CN becomes possible, but reconfiguration overhead and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network configuration where the UE can adaptively switch between 5G CN and EPC connections based on service requirements. The SOAP layer dynamically manages QoS flow mappings to appropriate networks, allowing the system to access functions unavailable in 5G CN through EPC while minimizing reconfiguration time through intelligent flow-based routing decisions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (loT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the loT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The present invention suggests a method and an operation for configuring a PDCP layer and a service data association protocol (SDAP) layer, thereby facilitating an efficient flow-based QoS process.