Time-Aware QoS Translation for Deterministic 5G-TSN Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G cellular wireless standards lack a deterministic Quality of Service (QoS) model to support real-time, deterministic communication, and there is a need for seamless integration with time-sensitive Ethernet networks to enable the replacement of wired TSN-compliant Ethernet links with wireless 5G links.

Innovation Solution

A QoS framework for 5G networks that includes a Time Sensitive Application Function (TS AF) to interact with the 5G Core Network, define a Time-Sensitive QoS Profile, and establish procedures for end-to-end time-sensitive traffic flows, enabling translation between deterministic and mobile communication networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional QoS mechanisms are used in mobile networks, then basic service quality is maintained, but deterministic timing requirements and ultra-reliable low-latency communication cannot be satisfied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming deterministic behaviorVSAvoidcompatibility with existing mobile network architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network slice selection function and QoS translation mechanism as an intermediary layer between the deterministic communication network and the mobile network. This intermediary translates QoS parameters from the deterministic network into mobile network QoS parameters, enabling deterministic timing requirements to be satisfied while maintaining compatibility with the existing mobile network architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the mobile network into multiple network slices, each with specific QoS characteristics. By creating dedicated network slices for deterministic communication requirements, the system can provide deterministic timing behavior for specific services while other network slices continue to operate with conventional QoS mechanisms, thus maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing QoS parameter sets are used, then compatibility with current networks is maintained, but time-aware QoS requirements for industrial applications cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for time-aware QoSVSAvoidQoS parameter translation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The QoS translation function acts as an intermediary that automatically maps deterministic network QoS parameters to mobile network QoS parameters. This translation mechanism adds time-aware QoS support without requiring complex manual configuration, as the translation is performed automatically by the network function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal QoS framework that can handle both conventional mobile network QoS requirements and deterministic time-aware QoS requirements through a single translation mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the system to support diverse applications without requiring separate complex parameter sets for each use case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If deterministic communication requirements are implemented, then ultra-reliable low-latency communication is achieved, but integration with mobile network infrastructure becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveultra-reliable low-latency communicationVSAvoidnetwork integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements network slicing to create dedicated virtual networks within the mobile infrastructure that can satisfy deterministic communication requirements. By segmenting the network into slices with specific QoS guarantees, ultra-reliable low-latency communication is achieved for industrial applications while the rest of the mobile network continues to operate independently, reducing integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The QoS translation function and network slice selection function serve as intermediaries that bridge deterministic communication requirements with mobile network infrastructure. These intermediaries handle the complexity of integration by automatically translating parameters and selecting appropriate network slices, thereby achieving reliable low-latency communication without requiring complex manual integration efforts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4447404B1Time-aware quality-of-service in communication systems
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4447404B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4447404B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4447404B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to time-aware Quality-of-Service (QoS), in particular techniques for providing time-aware QoS in communication systems such as 5G NR (New Radio). In particular the disclosure relates to a device (1610) for translating between a first communication network (1601), in particular a deterministic communication network, and a second communication network (1602), in particular a mobile communication network, in particular a 5G communication network, wherein the device (1610) comprises: an application function (1611) that is configured to translate between Quality-of-Service, QoS, parameters (1614) of the first communication network (1601) and QoS parameters (1615) of the second communication network (1602); a QoS profile (1612) comprising the QoS parameters (1614) of the first communication network (1601) translated by the application function (1611) and, optionally, additional QoS parameters (1616) originating from the second communication network (1602); and a signaling procedure (1613) configured to exchange the translated QoS parameters (1615) within the second communication network (1602).