Traffic Control Function for 3GPP Non-3GPP Data Flow Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks face challenges in efficiently managing access traffic steering, switching, and splitting between 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, which affects data flow optimization and network resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for utilizing multiple access networks by establishing control connections to manage data flows, allowing for the selection, switching, and splitting of data traffic between 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks based on network conditions and policies, using techniques like Multipath TCP and access selection rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data flows are managed over a single access network, then the network configuration is simple, but network resource utilization is inefficient and data flow continuity is vulnerable to access network failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data flows into different flow types (new data flows, existing data flows, high-priority data flows, low-priority data flows) and routes them through different access networks based on their characteristics. This segmentation allows efficient utilization of multiple access networks while maintaining manageable complexity through structured flow classification and handling procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access networks are utilized for data flows, then network flexibility and resource utilization improve, but the complexity of managing access traffic steering and switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access network selection and switching based on real-time network conditions, flow characteristics, and priority levels. The system can dynamically steer new data flows to appropriate access networks and dynamically switch existing data flows between access networks based on changing conditions, providing flexibility while managing complexity through automated dynamic decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the network function continuously monitors access network performance, data flow status, and network conditions. Based on this feedback, the network function automatically adjusts flow routing decisions, switches flows between access networks, and optimizes resource utilization, thereby managing complexity through closed-loop control.
3Reliability
If access traffic steering and switching is implemented, then data flow continuity is improved, but the complexity of detecting and managing multiple access networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes control connections between the network function and remote units before data flows are actively routed through multiple access networks. The network function pre-configures flow handling rules, pre-establishes routing paths, and pre-provisions access network resources. This preliminary action simplifies subsequent flow management and reduces the complexity of real-time detection and switching operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for utilizing multiple access network for data flows. One apparatus includes a network interface that communicates with a remote unit and a processor. The apparatus establishes a control connection with the remote unit and receives a plurality of network addresses used by the remote unit to communicate over different access networks. The apparatus receives a first set of data flows transmitted by the remote unit over a first access network. The processor determines that a subset of the first set of data flows is to utilize both the first access network and the second access network and sends a command to the remote unit over the control connection to utilize the second access network for at least some of the traffic of each data flow in the subset of the first set of data flows.