Uplink Bitrate Management for Multi-DU 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication networks lack a solution for managing and enforcing Uplink Aggregate Maximum Bitrate (UL AMBR) limits for user equipment (UE) served by multiple distributed transmission units, particularly when these units share the same control unit for dedicated radio bearers (DRBs), leading to complexity and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method using network nodes to determine and signal UL AMBR values to control units, allowing for enforcement of bitrates across multiple DRBs, ensuring that UL traffic is distributed and monitored to prevent exceeding established limits, with mechanisms to throttle or adjust traffic as needed to maintain compliance with AMBR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UL AMBR limits are enforced across multiple DRBs served by multiple DUs, then network control and QoS management are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UL AMBR enforcement function by introducing a specific network node (e.g., SEAP or core network element) that independently handles UL AMBR determination and signaling. This node divides the complex multi-DU traffic management into manageable components: UL AMBR determination, per-DU bitrate allocation, and enforcement monitoring. By segmenting the enforcement architecture, the system achieves reliable QoS control without overwhelming complexity at each individual DU or gNB.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary network node that acts as a mediator between the core network and multiple DUs. This intermediary receives UL AMBR parameters from the core network, processes them into enforceable bitrate limits for each DU, and coordinates traffic distribution across DUs. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of multi-DU coordination, allowing individual DUs to enforce limits without needing complex inter-DU communication and coordination mechanisms.
2Productivity
If traffic is flexibly distributed among multiple DRBs, then network efficiency is improved, but monitoring and enforcement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the intermediary network node continuously monitors actual UL traffic bitrates across multiple DRBs and DUs, compares them against allocated limits, and dynamically adjusts enforcement actions. The system provides feedback loops that report bitrate violations to the intermediary, which then coordinates rate limiting or traffic redistribution. This feedback-driven approach enables flexible traffic distribution while maintaining automated monitoring and enforcement without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal monitoring and enforcement mechanism at the intermediary node that handles multiple DRBs and DUs through a single coordinated system. Rather than requiring separate monitoring infrastructure for each DU-DRB combination, the intermediary provides multi-functional capabilities: centralized UL AMBR interpretation, per-DU bitrate calculation, cross-DU traffic coordination, and unified violation detection. This universal approach simplifies monitoring complexity while enabling flexible traffic distribution across the entire multi-DU system.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, one or more network nodes are configured to manage bitrates for dedicated radio bearers (DRBs) for a UE served by two or more distributed transmission units, where the DRBs include at least one DRB terminating at a first control unit and at least one DRB terminating at a second control unit. The network nodes determine at least a first UL AMBR value for the UE for the first control unit and at least a second UL AMBR value for the UE for the second control unit. The network nodes then signal the first UL AMBR to the first control unit and the second UL AMBR to the second control unit, for enforcement by the first and second control units.