User Plane Congestion Notifications for Network Slice Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face challenges in managing user plane congestion effectively, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission and quality of service, particularly in scenarios involving multiple network slices and diverse user devices with varying capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a framework for user plane congestion notification control that utilizes service-based architecture and network slicing to dynamically manage traffic load and quality of service by providing real-time feedback and adjusting network resources based on device capabilities and traffic characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional congestion control methods are used in communication networks, then implementation is simple, but network efficiency deteriorates under user plane congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a User Plane Function (UPF) as an intermediary component that acts as a congestion detection and notification entity. The UPF monitors user plane traffic and generates congestion notifications to the Access Network (AN), serving as a mediator between the data plane and control plane. This intermediary approach enables efficient congestion control without requiring complex end-to-end protocols, as the UPF handles the complexity of congestion detection and management centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UPF continuously monitors user plane traffic conditions and sends congestion notifications back to the Access Network when congestion is detected. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of traffic flow and resource allocation, improving network efficiency by responding to actual congestion conditions rather than using static control parameters.
2Measurement precision
If congestion notifications are sent frequently to detect congestion accurately, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic congestion notification mechanisms where the UPF adjusts its monitoring and notification behavior based on network conditions. Rather than sending notifications at fixed intervals or thresholds, the system dynamically adapts its detection sensitivity and notification frequency, enabling accurate congestion detection while minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead during normal operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network resources are allocated dynamically to manage congestion, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to resource management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource management functionality into distinct components: the UPF handles user plane traffic monitoring and congestion detection, while the Control Plane manages overall resource allocation based on congestion notifications. This segmentation allows dynamic resource adaptation without requiring every network element to implement complex resource management logic, as the burden is distributed across specialized functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station receives, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a first message to configure reporting of user plane congestion associated with a network slice. The base station sends, to a network node, information of the user plane congestion associated with the network slice.