UPF Redundancy and Packet Replication for Reliable Mobile Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack a solution to ensure high data transmission reliability, particularly in mobile communication scenarios where network entities serving data sessions become unreliable.
Innovation Solution
Implementing redundant transmission by adding a redundant User Plane Function (UPF) entity and indicating Uplink Replication (UL RP) or Downlink Replication (DL RP) functions on network entities to enhance data transmission reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single UPF entity is used for data transmission, then the device complexity is low, but the data transmission reliability is insufficient when the network entity becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a redundant copy of the UPF entity (second UPF entity) to serve as backup for the first UPF entity. When the first UPF entity becomes unreliable, the second UPF entity can take over the data transmission function, ensuring continuous and reliable data transmission without single points of failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes redundant UPF entities and replication functions in advance before reliability issues occur. The network entity is configured with both primary and backup transmission paths beforehand, so when the primary path fails, the backup path is already ready to immediately take over, providing cushioning against reliability failures.
2Reliability
If redundant transmission paths are established, then the data transmission reliability is improved, but the network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between primary and redundant transmission paths. The network can adaptively activate or deactivate replication functions based on the reliability status of the first UPF entity, allowing the system to maintain high reliability while reducing complexity when redundancy is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second UPF entity and replication functions are designed to be universal and can serve multiple purposes: acting as backup for the first UPF entity, providing load balancing capabilities, and enabling seamless failover. This multi-functionality justifies the added network complexity by providing multiple benefits beyond just redundancy.
3Reliability
If replication functions are added to network entities, then the data transmission reliability is enhanced, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the network system automatically monitors the reliability of the first UPF entity and autonomously activates or deactivates the replication functions without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the switching between primary and redundant paths, reducing operational complexity despite the enhanced reliability features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the operational status and reliability of the first UPF entity. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the activation state of replication functions, ensuring optimal reliability while simplifying operations through automated decision-making rather than manual configuration and management.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to a method and apparatus for redundant transmission to support high data transmission reliability. A method for redundant transmission to support high data transmission reliability includes deciding to add a redundant entity for a first User Plane Function (UPF) entity, selecting a second UPF entity as the redundant entity of the first UPF entity, indicating an Uplink Replication (UL RP) function on a third network entity, and indicating Downlink Replication (DL RP) function on a fourth network entity or Data Network (DN). The present disclosure supports high data transmission reliability by redundant transmission wireless communication system.