Trusted WLAN Access Gateway QoS Differentiation via Multiple Bearers
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Solution Overview
Problem
End-to-end quality of service (QoS) differentiation is not supported for user equipment (UE) accessing an evolved packet core (EPC) network via trusted wireless local area network (WLAN) access, especially in multi-connection mode, due to the lack of QoS signaling capabilities at the service data flow level.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless LAN control plane (WLCP) protocol extension for over-the-air (SWw) interface to enable QoS signaling for QoS differentiation at the service data flow level, allowing multiple bearer PDN connectivity and separate QoS mapping for each bearer, thereby supporting end-to-end QoS differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-connection mode (MCM) is used to support multiple PDN connections, then connectivity versatility is improved, but QoS differentiation capability deteriorates because all service data flows are transported via a single point-to-point link
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single point-to-point link into multiple logical bearers, each capable of carrying specific service data flows with differentiated QoS. The TWAG establishes multiple bearers to the PDN-GW, and maps different SDFs to different bearers based on QoS requirements, enabling QoS differentiation while maintaining MCM connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces QoS signaling mechanisms as intermediaries between the UE and the network infrastructure. The WLCP protocol extension and TWAG QoS handling act as mediators to translate and enforce QoS requirements across the multi-connection architecture, enabling end-to-end QoS differentiation.
2Device complexity
If a single point-to-point link is used between UE and TWAG for PDN connection, then connection simplicity is improved, but service data flow distinction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single link into multiple logical bearers, where each bearer can be associated with specific service data flows. This segmentation allows the TWAG to distinguish and differentiate treatments for different SDFs while maintaining the underlying single physical link structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a logical dimension to the single physical link by introducing bearer-level abstraction. Multiple bearers operate over the single point-to-point link, creating a multi-dimensional structure that enables SDF differentiation without increasing physical connection complexity.
3Device complexity
If QoS signaling is not implemented at service data flow level, then protocol simplicity is improved, but end-to-end QoS differentiation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces QoS signaling mechanisms as intermediaries between the UE and the network infrastructure. The WLCP protocol extension and TWAG QoS handling act as mediators to translate and enforce QoS requirements across the multi-connection architecture, enabling end-to-end QoS differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements QoS signaling and bearer establishment procedures in advance, before actual data transmission. The TWAG pre-establishes bearers with appropriate QoS parameters and maps SDFs to bearers beforehand, enabling QoS differentiation to be enforced throughout the data transmission process without real-time complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for quality of service differentiation via a trusted wireless local area network. The method comprises determining if a multi-connection mode is available between a user equipment and the trusted wireless local area network. In an instance in which the multi-connection mode is available, the method further comprises establishing a packet data network connection between the user equipment and the trusted local area network to connect the user equipment to a core network with a default bearer, and establishing one or more additional bearers with a quality of service characteristic and a quality of service mapping. Data traffic may be transmitted over the default bearer and the one or more additional bearers according to a differentiated quality of service based on the quality of service characteristic and the quality of service mapping. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.