UE Traffic Steering by Measuring Multi-Access Network Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G-capable UEs lack the ability to effectively utilize performance parameters of user-plane paths in multi-access PDU sessions to route traffic efficiently across different access networks.
Innovation Solution
The UE measures access network performance parameters such as throughput, delay, and loss rate on both 3GPP and non-3GPP networks, applying steering rules based on these measurements to optimize traffic routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-access PDU session is established connecting UE to Data Network via mobile communication network using different access network types, then connectivity versatility is improved, but traffic routing efficiency deteriorates due to lack of performance parameter utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE continuously measures access network performance parameters (throughput, delay, loss rate) and uses these measurements to dynamically adjust traffic routing decisions. The network also provides feedback through measurement assistance information and steering rules, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes traffic routing based on real-time network conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously performs traffic routing decisions by measuring its own access network performance parameters and applying steering rules locally. The network supports this self-service approach by providing measurement assistance information and steering rules, but the actual routing optimization is performed by the UE based on its own observations and measurements
2Measurement precision
If access network performance measurements are implemented on multiple access networks, then traffic routing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement and routing optimization function into separate, manageable components: (1) measurement of specific performance parameters (throughput, delay, loss rate) on each access network, (2) receipt and processing of steering rules from the network, and (3) application of these rules to routing decisions. This segmentation makes the complex task of multi-access optimization more manageable and implementable
Solution Approach 2:
The network provides steering rules in advance to the UE, which contain pre-defined conditions and actions for traffic routing based on performance parameters. This preliminary action allows the UE to make rapid routing decisions without complex real-time calculations, reducing device complexity while maintaining routing precision
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for measuring access network performance ("ANP") parameters for a multi-access data connection. One apparatus 300 includes a processor 305, a first transceiver 325 and a second transceiver 330 that communicate with a mobile communication network via a first access network and a second access network, respectively. The processor 305 establishes 705 a multi-access data connection with the mobile communication network over the first access network and the second access network and receives 710 measurement assistance information. The processor 305 measures 715 at least one ANP parameter using the measurement assistance information and applies 720 a traffic steering rule to uplink data traffic, the traffic steering rule indicating to which of the first and second access networks the uplink data traffic is to be routed based on the measured at least one ANP parameter.