Bi-directional Tunnel Setup for Split Bearers in 5G Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual connectivity solutions in 5G networks face challenges in setting up bi-directional tunneling for radio resources, particularly in Multi-RAT and NR-NR DC scenarios, due to differences in Quality of Service (QoS) frameworks between 5GC and EPC, leading to implementation and testing complexities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods and procedures for establishing bi-directional SN-terminated bearers and MCG bearers with QoS flows, involving requests and responses between master and secondary nodes to set up radio resources, including tunnel identifiers for forwarding user-plane data to the core network, facilitating efficient resource allocation and tunnel setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bi-directional tunneling is implemented for SN-terminated bearers in 5G networks, then radio resource allocation efficiency is improved, but implementation and testing complexity increases due to QoS framework differences between 5GC and EPC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism between 5GC QoS parameters and EPC QoS parameters. This mapping layer translates QoS Flow Identifiers (5QI) and QoS parameters from the 5GC framework into corresponding EPC QoS parameters, enabling bi-directional tunneling without requiring complete framework compatibility. The intermediary resolves the complexity by abstracting the differences between the two QoS frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms QoS parameters between different frameworks by changing their representation form. It maps 5GC-specific parameters (5QI, QoS Flow ID) to EPC-equivalent parameters (QCI, EPS bearer QoS parameters), allowing the system to operate with unified parameter management despite underlying framework differences. This parameter transformation reduces implementation complexity by standardizing the interface between 5GC and EPC QoS mechanisms.
2Reliability
If QoS flow mapping between 5GC and EPC is established, then service continuity is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs QoS parameter mapping and bearer establishment in advance during the initial connection setup and handover preparation phases. By pre-establishing the QoS flow mappings and configuring bearers before actual data transmission begins, the system ensures service continuity without requiring extensive real-time signaling. The preliminary configuration reduces subsequent signaling overhead during active communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of QoS parameter structures when mapping between 5GC and EPC frameworks. Instead of transmitting complete QoS framework definitions, it exchanges essential QoS parameter copies (5QI to QCI mapping, QoS Flow ID to EPS bearer ID mapping), reducing signaling overhead while maintaining service continuity. This copying approach preserves the necessary QoS information without the burden of full framework synchronization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SN-terminated bearers are configured with bi-directional tunneling, then data transmission flexibility is improved, but tunnel setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tunnel setup process into distinct phases: control plane tunnel establishment, user plane tunnel configuration, and QoS parameter mapping. By dividing the complex bi-directional tunnel setup into manageable segments, each handling a specific aspect (SN-terminated bearers, MCG bearers, QoS flows), the system achieves flexible data transmission while reducing overall setup complexity. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each tunnel type without requiring complete redesign of the entire tunneling architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods, performed by a master node (MN) in a radio access network, for establishing radio resources between a secondary node (SN) and a user equipment (UE). Such embodiments include sending, to the SN, a request identifying one or more QoS flows to be setup between the SN and the UE; and receiving, from the SN, a response including identification of one or more radio bearers that were admitted by the SN in association with the requested QoS flows. Such embodiments also include sending, to the SN, identifiers of one or more tunnels for forwarding downlink user-plane (DL UP) data over an interface between the SN and the MN. Each tunnel identifier is associated with a respective admitted radio bearer. Embodiments also include complementary methods performed by a SN, as well as network nodes configured to perform the various methods.