Wireless Traffic Category Mapping for Flexible URSP Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing URSP rules in wireless communications networks are inflexible and require frequent updates to manage the vast number of available applications, as their popularity and traffic volume can change quickly, posing a challenge for network operators.
Innovation Solution
Implementing traffic categories by associating applications with categories using traffic category information received from a network node, allowing the network operator to manage routing without frequent rule updates, using a modified User Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules that include a Traffic Category Identifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated URSP rules are provided for each application, then traffic routing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and rule management overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic routing control into two parts: (1) URSP rules are segmented by traffic category rather than by individual application, and (2) applications are segmented into different traffic categories based on their characteristics. This allows multiple applications to share the same routing rules through category association, reducing the number of rules needed while maintaining routing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces traffic category as an intermediary layer between applications and URSP rules. Instead of directly mapping each application to its routing rules, the system uses traffic categories as mediators: applications are associated with traffic categories, and URSP rules are associated with traffic categories. This intermediary structure simplifies rule management while preserving routing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If URSP rules are updated frequently to match application popularity changes, then traffic routing adaptability is improved, but network overhead and update frequency requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple applications into common traffic categories based on shared characteristics. Instead of updating routing rules for each individual application, the system updates rules at the traffic category level. This merging approach reduces the frequency and overhead of rule updates while maintaining adaptability to changing application landscapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes URSP rules universal by associating them with traffic categories that can encompass multiple applications. A single URSP rule can serve multiple applications within the same traffic category, allowing the system to adapt to new applications without creating new rules, thereby reducing network overhead and update requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a traffic category system is implemented, then rule management complexity is reduced, but the system requires additional traffic category information infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where User Equipment (UE) autonomously associates applications with traffic categories based on received traffic category information. The UE automatically updates its own routing configuration without requiring manual intervention or complex network-side rule management, simplifying operation while the infrastructure complexity is confined to the information delivery mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus comprising: a processor arranged to execute an application; and a receiver arranged to communicate with a wireless communications network, the receiver arranged to receive traffic category information from a network node in the wireless communications network, the network node remote from the apparatus; wherein the processor is further arranged to associate a traffic category to the application using the traffic category information.