5G SSC Mode Determination via Capability Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communications, determining the Service and Session Continuity (SSC) mode for Ethernet sessions is challenging due to limitations in existing protocols, particularly in supporting SSC mode 3, which is necessary for ultra-reliable and low-latency communications, leading to potential errors in mode selection.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a terminal device determines the requested SSC mode by sending a request message to a core network element, including session type and SSC mode, with indication information to prevent modification, and receives SSC mode limitation information based on capability, subscription, and network information to ensure accurate mode selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SSC mode 3 is enabled for Ethernet sessions to support URLLC services, then reliability and latency performance are improved, but protocol complexity and determination error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SSC mode determination process into distinct phases: terminal device capability indication, network element capability indication, and mode selection based on capability matching. This segmentation allows SSC mode 3 to be handled as a specific case with dedicated determination rules, reducing overall protocol complexity while enabling advanced features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic capability indication mechanisms where terminal devices and network elements can indicate their SSC mode support capabilities. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different device capabilities and network configurations, enabling reliable SSC mode 3 operation for capable devices while maintaining compatibility with legacy devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SSC mode 3 is supported for Ethernet sessions, then service continuity flexibility is improved, but determination accuracy deteriorates due to protocol limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through capability indication messages exchanged between terminal devices and network elements. The terminal device indicates its SSC mode support capability, and the network element uses this feedback to make accurate determination of the appropriate SSC mode, preventing determination errors while maintaining service continuity flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the determination parameter from implicit protocol assumptions to explicit capability indication parameters. By introducing capability indication fields and using these parameters for mode selection, the system achieves both service continuity flexibility and determination accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If capability indication mechanisms are introduced to improve determination accuracy, then signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capability indication with existing signaling messages rather than introducing separate dedicated messages. The SSC mode capability is indicated within existing PDU session establishment and modification signaling, reducing additional signaling overhead while maintaining determination accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a service and session continuity (SSC) mode and an apparatus, where the method includes: determining, by a terminal device, a requested SSC mode; and sending a first request message to a first core network element, where the first request message is used to request to establish a first protocol data unit (PDU) session, and the first request message includes a session type of the first PDU session, the requested SSC mode, and first indication information. The first request message sent by the terminal device to the first core network element may carry the first indication information, used to indicate that the SSC mode requested by the terminal device is not allowed to be modified, to prevent a network-side network element from subsequently making an erroneous decision, for example, modifying the requested SSC mode to another SSC mode that is not supported by the terminal device.