UPF DSCP Control Using QoS Flow Bandwidth Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems struggle to determine the DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) in user packets based on QoS class and bandwidth usage, leading to inadequate priority control, especially in 5G networks where the control and user planes are separated.
Innovation Solution
A communication control device and method that includes a packet transfer unit, reception unit, and measurement unit to determine a new DSCP based on the basic DSCP set by the control plane and the bandwidth usage of each QoS flow, allowing for dynamic adjustment of packet priority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a general UPF stores a DSCP notified from an SMF in an IP header of a user packet as it is, then the network apparatus can recognize priority degree, but the UPF cannot reflect use band amount in DSCP
Solution Approach 1:
The UPF dynamically determines the DSCP value based on real-time measurement of use band amount for each QoS flow. Instead of using a static DSCP value notified from the control plane, the system adjusts the DSCP dynamically according to actual bandwidth usage conditions, enabling both accurate priority control and bandwidth reflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a feedback mechanism where the UPF measures the actual use band amount and uses this information to adjust the DSCP value. This closed-loop approach ensures that the DSCP accurately reflects current network conditions and bandwidth usage patterns, resolving the contradiction between reliable priority control and adaptability to bandwidth changes.
2Device complexity
If the C-Plane and U-Plane are separated in 5G, then network architecture is improved, but the UPF cannot directly use QoS class indicator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a QoS flow identifier (QFI) as an intermediary element that carries QoS class information from the control plane to the user plane. The QFI acts as a mediator, allowing the UPF to access QoS class indicators indirectly through the QFI without requiring direct C-U plane communication, thus maintaining architecture separation while enabling QoS functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments QoS information into separate components: the control plane handles QoS class determination while the user plane uses QFI to reference these classes. This segmentation allows each plane to operate independently while maintaining QoS awareness, resolving the accessibility issue without compromising architectural separation.
3Productivity
If the UPF does not consider use band amount, then processing is simplified, but priority control cannot be performed according to bandwidth usage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely ignoring use band amount, the system applies partial action by only adjusting DSCP when bandwidth usage exceeds thresholds. This selective approach maintains processing efficiency for normal traffic while enabling enhanced priority control when needed, balancing productivity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control device included in a user plane of a mobile communication system in which a control plane and the user plane are separated includes: a packet transfer unit that transfers a packet to a network apparatus; a reception unit that receives, from the control plane, a basic DSCP being a DSCP set to each QoS flow by the control plane according to a QoS class; and a measurement unit that measures a use band amount of the packet for each of the QoS flow, and the packet transfer unit determines a new DSCP being a DSCP to be stored in the packet to be transferred, based on the basic DSCP and the use band amount of the QoS flow to which the packet to be transferred belongs, and stores the new DSCP in the packet to be transferred to the network apparatus.