Dual-Connectivity Split-Bearer Policy Enforcement via RAT Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual-connectivity solutions lack a mechanism to report routing decisions made outside the wireless core network, preventing differentiated quality of service (QoS) and charging policies from being enforced based on Radio Access Technology (RAT) types used for uplink or downlink communications in dual-connectivity scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A wireless station receives downlink packets and logs the RAT type used for delivery, sending feedback reports to the core network, and marks uplink packets with RAT-type indicators to enable differentiated policy enforcement, allowing the core network to apply distinct QoS and charging policies based on RAT types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual-connectivity solutions are implemented to allow simultaneous connection to different RAT types, then network capacity and data transfer rates are improved, but the ability to enforce differentiated QoS and charging policies based on RAT type is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless station reports routing decisions and RAT type information back to the core network. This enables the core network to receive information about which RAT type (e.g., LTE or 5G NR) is being used for packet transmission, allowing differentiated QoS and charging policies to be enforced based on the reported RAT type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of packet markers and feedback reports that bridge the gap between the wireless station and core network. These intermediaries carry RAT type information through the network, enabling policy enforcement at the core network level without disrupting the dual-connectivity data path.
2Extent of automation
If routing decisions are made outside the wireless core network for dual-connectivity bearers, then network flexibility and automation are improved, but loss of information about RAT type usage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless station reports routing decisions and RAT type information back to the core network. This enables the core network to receive information about which RAT type (e.g., LTE or 5G NR) is being used for packet transmission, allowing differentiated QoS and charging policies to be enforced based on the reported RAT type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional packet marking mechanisms with feedback reports that convey RAT type information. Instead of modifying packet headers extensively, the system uses dedicated feedback messages from the wireless station to the core network, reducing information loss while maintaining automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein enable differentiated policy enforcement for dual connectivity split bearer scenarios. A wireless station receives, from a core network associated with the wireless station, downlink packets directed to an end device that is using a dual-connectivity split bearer. The wireless station directs delivery of the downlink packets over different radio access networks (RANs) of the dual-connectivity split bearer. The wireless station logs a radio access technology (RAT)-type used to deliver each of the downlink packets and sends, based on the logging, a downlink RAT-type feedback report to a network device in the core network. The wireless station receives uplink packets from the end device using the dual-connectivity split bearer, marks each of the uplink packets with a RAT-type indicator, and forwards the marked packets to the network device in the core network.