UPF Packet Direction Signaling for 5G TSN Delay Budgets
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the 5G system (5GS), the residence time period of data packets in the uplink timing scenario for Time Sensitive Networks (TSN) is not specified, leading to uncertainty in ensuring that the residence time meets the required upper limit, as the access network device cannot differentiate between uplink and downlink data packets.
Innovation Solution
The UPF network element provides indication information to the access network device to differentiate between uplink and downlink data packets, allowing the access network device to determine and manage the Access Network Packet Delay Budget (AN PDB) accordingly, ensuring the residence time period meets the requirement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the access network device uses a unified QoS flow attribute for both uplink and downlink data packets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of packet type differentiation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces indication information as an intermediary element that carries packet type identification (uplink or downlink) within the data packet. This intermediary enables the access network device to differentiate packet types without requiring complex separate processing paths, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If the access network device does not differentiate between uplink and downlink data packets, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of residence time period assurance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding indication information in the data packet before it reaches the access network device. This pre-marking of packet type allows the device to process packets uniformly while still reliably determining residence time periods, as the differentiation information is already prepared in advance.
3Loss of information
If the UPF network element does not provide indication information, then the loss of information is minimized, but the measurement precision of packet delay budget determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding indication information specifically to the data packet header or payload where it is most needed for packet type identification. This localized addition provides precise packet delay budget measurement capability without requiring comprehensive changes to the entire data packet structure, thus minimizing overall information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a communication method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: receiving a first data packet; and sending the first data packet and first indication information to an access network device, where the first indication information indicates that the first data packet is an uplink data packet or a downlink data packet, and the first indication information is used by the access network device to determine an access network AN packet delay budget PDB of a first quality of service QoS flow corresponding to the first data packet.