Traffic Steering Configuration for Edge Computing Across Access Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack the ability to selectively control traffic steering between 3GPP and non-3GPP access types, leading to potential loss of Edge Computing benefits when a UE switches access types, especially when UE or 5GC lacks URSP or ATSSS capabilities, resulting in unsupported session reconnection or improper policy application.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that receive triggering messages to indicate specific traffic handling instructions, such as the need for 3GPP access, reconnection to 5G System, or conditions for non-3GPP access, allowing UEs to maintain or change network access types based on these indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE switches from 3GPP access to non-3GPP access, then access flexibility is improved, but Edge Computing functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary actions by determining the data network type before the UE switches access types, and proactively provides appropriate indications (such as URSP rules or PCO parameters) to the UE in advance. This ensures the UE is prepared to maintain EC functionality when switching to non-3GPP access, rather than waiting for functionality loss to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The network acts as an intermediary by introducing indication mechanisms (URSP rules, PCO parameters) that mediate between the UE's access switching behavior and the Edge Computing functionality requirements. These indications carry information about data network types and guide the UE's traffic steering decisions, enabling EC to function across different access types.
2Device complexity
If URSP or ATSSS capabilities are not available in UE or 5GC, then device complexity is reduced, but traffic steering control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network enables self-service by providing simplified indication mechanisms that work with basic UE capabilities. Instead of requiring complex URSP or ATSSS implementations in the UE, the network provides straightforward indications (such as PCO parameters or simple URSP rules) that enable traffic steering control without burdening the UE with complex functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If access type switching is allowed, then network versatility is improved, but policy application accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution applies local quality by providing differentiated indication mechanisms tailored to specific data network types and access scenarios. Instead of a single generic policy approach, the network provides specific indications (such as different PCO parameters for different data networks, or targeted URSP rules) that ensure accurate policy application for each specific case, maintaining precision even as access versatility increases.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method. The method comprises receiving a triggering message, and based at least on receiving the triggering message, transmitting towards a user equipment, UE, a message related to a Protocol Data Unit, PDU, session. The message related to the PDU session indicates any one or more of the followings: i) that a particular functionality is applied to a part of traffic or all traffic in the PDU session; ii) that 3rd Generation Partnership Project, 3GPP, access is needed for using a particular application or all applications mapped into the PDU session; iii) that a reconnection to 5G System, 5GS, is needed for using a particular application or all applications mapped into the PDU session; or iv) that non-3GPP access is allowed for using a particular application or all applications mapped into the PDU session only if one or more conditions are satisfied.