UE-Initiated QoS Flow Remapping for DRB Latency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current specifications allow only the network/gNB to trigger updates of QoS flow to DRB mapping, leading to potential delays and degradation of service due to filled data queues at the UE side, which can affect user experience when packets do not arrive within latency bounds.
Innovation Solution
User Equipment (UE) is enabled to initiate or request QoS flow remapping by sending an indication in the uplink service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) header or using radio resource control (RRC) signaling, allowing for dynamic QoS flow to DRB mapping or remapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only the network/gNB triggers QoS flow to DRB mapping updates, then network control over resource allocation is maintained, but data queues at the UE side fill up quickly causing delays and service degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional unidirectional control model by enabling the UE to initiate QoS flow to DRB mapping requests. The UE can now send mapping requests to the network based on its local buffer status and QoS requirements, transforming the network-only triggered model into a bidirectional interaction model that responds faster to actual data transmission needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE monitors its own buffer status and QoS flow characteristics, then provides this information to the network through mapping requests. This feedback loop enables the network to adjust DRB resource allocation based on real-time UE needs, preventing queue overflow and reducing packet delay while maintaining network control through policy-based approval.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network maintains full control over QoS flow to DRB mapping, then centralized resource management is achieved, but the UE cannot proactively respond to varying throughput and latency requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS mapping control function into two parts: the UE handles local buffer status monitoring and mapping request generation based on specific QoS parameters, while the network handles policy verification and final mapping decisions. This segmentation allows the UE to be adaptive to varying requirements without the network needing to micromanage every mapping decision, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the UE to perform preliminary actions by pre-monitoring buffer status and pre-generating mapping requests before data queues become congested. This preliminary action allows the UE to proactively signal its needs to the network, enabling faster response to varying throughput and latency requirements while the network maintains centralized control through policy-based approval of these pre-prepared requests.
3Loss of information
If QoS flow to DRB mapping updates are triggered only by the network, then signaling overhead is minimized, but user experience degrades when packets do not arrive within latency bounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing the UE to send mapping requests only when specific conditions are met (buffer status thresholds, QoS parameter changes), rather than continuously or for every possible update scenario. This selective triggering maintains signaling efficiency by avoiding unnecessary requests while ensuring that critical user experience issues are addressed promptly when they actually occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) configured to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session including one or more quality of service (QoS) flows and multiple data radio bearers (DRB) for communications with a network, decode, from signaling received from the network, or determine an initial mapping table for a QoS flow to DRB mapping based on a network configuration of mapping parameters, determine a first QoS flow to map or remap to a new or different DRB and configure transceiver circuitry to transmit a request to the network for the first QoS flow to be mapped or remapped to the new or different DRB.