Multi-Connection User Plane Offloading by Operator Type

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-connectivity networks, there is a need to flexibly control the sharing degree of user plane resources in a second standard network while enabling sharing of a first standard network, particularly due to inconsistent 4G network construction among operators, which is costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A data transmission method that determines the type of a user as a sharing operator or construction operator based on PLMN numbers, and adjusts user plane split policies accordingly, allowing or restricting access to user plane channels in different networks to achieve flexible control over sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If user plane resources of the second standard network are shared among multiple operators, then construction costs are reduced, but control over resource allocation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction costVSAvoidresource allocation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user plane resources are segmented by operator type (construction operator vs. sharing operator). The network device divides the user plane channel into construction operator user plane channel and sharing operator user plane channel, allowing independent control and allocation strategies for each segment while sharing the physical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality of service and resource allocation policies are applied locally to different operator types. Construction operators receive guaranteed resources with higher priority, while sharing operators receive dynamic resources based on occupancy rates and service types, enabling differentiated control without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If user plane split is enabled for sharing operators, then resource utilization increases, but network performance degradation occurs due to high occupancy rates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidnetwork performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The user plane split policy is made dynamic based on real-time occupancy rates. When occupancy rate is below the threshold, split is enabled to maximize resource utilization. When occupancy rate exceeds the threshold, split is disabled to prevent performance degradation, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The occupancy rate threshold serves as a dynamic parameter that triggers policy changes. By monitoring the occupancy rate of user plane air interface resources and comparing it against the threshold, the system automatically adjusts the user plane split configuration to balance resource utilization and network performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If all users share the same user plane resources, then network simplicity is maintained, but flexible control over sharing degree is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork simplicityVSAvoidsharing control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network device implements a universal user plane channel that serves both construction operators and sharing operators. This single user plane channel performs multiple functions: it provides dedicated resources for construction operators while simultaneously enabling shared access for sharing operators, maintaining simplicity while providing flexible control through policy differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4142424B1Method for data transmission in multi-connection network, network device and system
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 CHINA TELECOM CORP LTD
  • EP4142424B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4142424B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4142424B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for data transmission in a multi-connection network, a network device and a system, which relate to the technical field of communications. The method of the present disclosure comprises : during the process of a terminal accessing a multi-connection network of a contracting operator, a network device of the contracting operator determining the type of a user of the terminal, wherein the type comprises : a first type, which indicates that the user is a user of a sharing operator, or a second type, which indicates that the user is a user of the contracting operator; the network device of the contracting operator determining, according to the type of the user of the terminal, a user plane offloading policy corresponding to the terminal; and when the user plane offloading policy corresponding to the terminal forbids offloading, the network device of the contracting operator allocating a user plane channel of a first-mode network of the contracting operator to the terminal to transmit user plane data of the terminal, and when the user plane offloading policy corresponding to the terminal allows offloading, allocating the user plane channel of the first-mode network and a user plane channel of a second-mode network of the contracting operator to the terminal to transmit the user plane data of the terminal.