EP3569028A1

EP3569028A1 - Controlled downlink packet marking

Info

Publication number: EP3569028A1
Application number: EP17891962.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matti Laitila
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2017-01-13
Filing date: 2017-12-27
Publication date: 2019-11-20
Also published as: WO2018130741A1; EP3569028A4

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for controlled downlink (DL) marking in radio access networks (RAN) are provided. One method includes determining or verifying, by a core network node, whether a user equipment (UE) has configured uplink (UL) filters correctly. When the core network node verifies that the UE has configured the UL filters correctly, indicating to RAN that a mapping of service data flow (SDF) to quality of service (QoS) flow is correct and/or that RAN does not need to include DL QoS flow identifiers (IDs) for non-access stratum (NAS) filter configuration.

Description

CONTROLLED DOWNLINK PACKET MARKING CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001J This application claims priority from United States Provisional Application No. 62/445,851, filed on January 13, 2017. The entire contents of this earlier filed application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND:

Field:

[0002] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to wireless or mobile communications networks, such as, but not limited to, the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE- A), LTE-A Pro, and/or 5G radio access technology or new radio access technology (NR). Some embodiments may generally relate to quality of service (QoS) flow marking in radio access networks (RAN), such as 5G or NR systems.

Description of the Related Art:

[0003] Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) refers to a communications network including base stations, or Node Bs, and for example radio network controllers (RNC). UTRAN allows for connectivity between the user equipment (UE) and the core network. The RNC provides control functionalities for one or more Node Bs. The RNC and its corresponding Node Bs are called the Radio Network Subsystem (RNS). In case of E-UTRAN (enhanced UTRAN), no RNC exists and radio access functionality is provided by an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB) or many eNBs. Multiple eNBs are involved for a single UE connection, for example, in case of Coordinated Multipoint Transmission (CoMP) and in dual connectivity.

[0004] Long Term Evolution (LTE) or E-UTRAN refers to improvements of the UMTS through improved efficiency and services, lower costs, and use of new spectrum opportunities. In particular, LTE is a 3GPP standard that provides for uplink peak rates of at least, for example, 75 megabits per second (Mbps) per carrier and downlink peak rates of at least, for example, 300 Mbps per carrier. LTE supports scalable carrier bandwidths from 20 MHz down to 1.4 MHz and supports both Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD).

[0005] As mentioned above, LTE may also improve spectral efficiency in networks, allowing carriers to provide more data and voice services over a given bandwidth. Therefore, LTE is designed to fulfill the needs for high-speed data and media transport in addition to high-capacity voice support. Advantages of LTE include, for example, high throughput, low latency, FDD and TDD support in the same platform, an improved end-user experience, and a simple architecture resulting in low operating costs.

[0006] Certain releases of 3GPP LTE (e.g., LTE Rel-10, LTE Rel-11, LTE Rel-12, LTE Rel-13) are targeted towards international mobile telecommunications advanced (IMT-A) systems, referred to herein for convenience simply as LTE- Advanced (LTE-A).

[0007] LTE-A is directed toward extending and optimizing the 3GPP LTE radio access technologies. A goal of LTE-A is to provide significantly enhanced services by means of higher data rates and lower latency with reduced cost. LTE-A is a more optimized radio system fulfilling the international telecommunication union-radio (ITU-R) requirements for IMT-Advanced while maintaining backward compatibility. One of the key features of LTE-A, introduced in LTE Rel-10, is carrier aggregation, which allows for increasing the data rates through aggregation of two or more LTE carriers.

[0008] 5^th generation wireless systems (5G) refers to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. 5G is expected to provide higher bitrates and coverage than the current LTE systems. Some estimate that 5G will provide bitrates one hundred times higher than LTE offers. 5G is also expected to increase network expandability up to hundreds of thousands of connections. The signal technology of 5G is anticipated to be improved for greater coverage as well as spectral and signaling efficiency. 5G is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). With IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication becoming more widespread, there will be a growing need for networks that meet the needs of lower power, low data rate, and long battery life.

SUMMARY:

[0009] One embodiment is directed to a method that may include determining or verifying, by a core network node, whether a UE has configured UL filters correctly. When the core network node verifies that the UE has configured the UL filters correctly, indicating to RAN that a mapping of SDF to QoS flow is correct and/or that RAN does not need to include DL QoS flow IDs for NAS filter configuration. In an embodiment, the indicating may include setting reflective QoS bits of following packets to off. When the core network node determines that the UE has not configured UL filters correctly, setting a reflective QoS bit of DL packet to on.

[0010] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to determine or verify whether a UE has configured UL filters correctly. When the apparatus verifies that the UE has configured the UL filters correctly, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to indicate to RAN that a mapping of SDF to QoS flow is correct and/or that RAN does not need to include DL QoS flow IDs for NAS filter configuration. In an embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to indicate to RAN by setting reflective QoS bits of following packets to off. When the apparatus determines that the UE has not configured UL filters correctly, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to set a reflective QoS bit of DL packet to on.

[0011] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include deterrnining means for determining or verifying whether a UE has configured UL filters correctly. When the apparatus verifies that the UE has configured the UL filters correctly, the apparatus may include indicating means for indicating to RAN that a mapping of SDF to QoS flow is correct and/or that RAN does not need to include DL QoS flow IDs for NAS filter configuration. In an embodiment, the indicating means may include setting means for setting reflective QoS bits of following packets to off. When the apparatus determines that the UE has not configured UL filters correctly, the apparatus includes setting means for setting a reflective QoS bit of DL packet to on.

[0012] Another embodiment is directed to a computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program is configured to control a processor to perform a process including deterrnining or verifying whether a UE has configured UL filters correctly. When it is verified that the UE has configured the UL filters correctly, indicating to RAN that a mapping of SDF to QoS flow is correct and/or that RAN does not need to include DL QoS flow IDs for NAS filter configuration. In an embodiment, the indicating may include setting reflective QoS bits of following packets to off. When it is determined that the UE has not configured UL filters correctly, setting a reflective QoS bit of DL packet to on.

[0013] Another embodiment is directed to a method that may include inspecting, by a RAN node, QoS flow IDs of the UL traffic received from UL DRBs. For QoS flows that are subject to reflective QoS, the method may include comparing the UL QoS flow ID to DRB binding to the DL mapping table of the QoS flow. If the comparison shows that UL and DL DRB is the same for a QoS flow, the method may include concluding that the UL filters are correctly configured, and stopping including the QoS flow ID in the DL packets for AS filter configuration purposes. [0014] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to inspect QoS flow IDs of the UL traffic received from UL DRBs. For QoS flows that are subject to reflective QoS, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to compare the UL QoS flow ID to DRB binding to the DL mapping table of the QoS flow. If the comparison shows that UL and DL DRB is the same for a QoS flow, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to conclude that the UL filters are correctly configured, and to stop including the QoS flow ID in the DL packets for AS filter configuration purposes.

[0015] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that includes inspecting means for inspecting QoS flow IDs of the UL traffic received from UL DRBs. For QoS flows that are subject to reflective QoS, the apparatus may include comparing means for comparing the UL QoS flow ID to DRB binding to the DL mapping table of the QoS flow. If the comparing means shows that UL and DL DRB is the same for a QoS flow, the apparatus may include concluding means for concluding that the UL filters are correctly configured, and stopping including the QoS flow ID in the DL packets for AS filter configuration purposes.

[0016] Another embodiment is directed to a computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program is configured to control a processor to perform a process including inspecting QoS flow IDs of the UL traffic received from UL DRBs. For QoS flows that are subject to reflective QoS, the process may include comparing the UL QoS flow ID to DRB binding to the DL mapping table of the QoS flow. If the comparison shows that UL and DL DRB is the same for a QoS flow, the process may include concluding that the UL filters are correctly configured, and stopping including the QoS flow ID in the DL packets for AS filter configuration purposes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0017] For proper understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a DL DRB mapping table of a gNB, according to an embodiment;

[0019] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a DL SDF mapping table, according to an embodiment;

[0020] Fig. 3a illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus, according to an embodiment;

[0021] Fig. 3b illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[0022] Fig. 4a illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to an embodiment; and

[0023] Fig. 4b illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0024] It will be readily understood that the components of the invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for controlled downlink (DL) marking in radio access networks (RAN), as represented in the attached figures and described below, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention but is representative of selected embodiments of the invention.

[0025] The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0026] Additionally, if desired, the different functions discussed below may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the described functions may be optional or may be combined. As such, the following description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles, teachings and embodiments of this invention, and not in limitation thereof.

[0027] As mentioned above, certain embodiments relate to 5G or next generation radio access technologies. 3GPP has an ongoing study items for the 5G system architecture in SA2 and radio access network (RAN) protocols in RAN2 and RAN3. Quality of service (QoS) has been identified as a one of the key topics in these study items.

[0028] 3GPP has adopted, for 5G, the so -called "flow based" QoS frame work, where instead of dedicated end to end tunnels (bearers) for each QoS class, the core network (CN) in the downlink (DL) direction and the UE in the uplink (UL) direction map Service Data Flows (SDF) into packet based QoS flows. Every service data flow (SDF) that has the same QoS requirements are mapped to a same QoS flow and marked with the same QoS mark. On a RAN-CN leg, the QoS flows are delivered over a single transport connection (tunnel). For the radio interface, bearer based QoS has been adopted, where Data Radio Bearer (DRB) defines over the air packet treatment in the RAN.

[0029] The two-level SDF to DRB mapping was agreed to in 3GPP technical report (TR) 23.799 and RAN2. In the two-level mapping, the SDFs are first mapped to the QoS flows and, in the second phase, QoS flows are mapped to the DRBs. The mapping of the SDFs to the QoS flows is based on the "NAS" filters, which are located in a UE for UL traffic and in the core network user plane (CN-UP) for DL traffic. The mapping of QoS flows to the DRBs is based on the "AS filters", which are located in a UE for UL traffic and in a RAN for DL traffic. The two-level mapping means that the RAN has no visibility to user service packets.

[0030] SA2 has made an interim agreement on the usage of the reflective QoS for flow configuring UL SDF to QoS flow mapping (NAS filter) in a UE, and RAN2 has agreed that the reflective QoS can be used for AS filter configuration. The reflective QoS is based on the fact that the application (and transport) protocols in practice always generate bidirectional flows. The reflective QoS in the context of non-access stratum (NAS) filter configuration means that the UE maps the UL of a certain SDF to the same QoS flow as the DL was mapped to. Reflective QoS in the access stratum (AS) filter configuration means that the UE maps the UL of a certain QoS flow to the same DRB as the DL was using.

[0031] Since reflective QoS necessitates that the QoS flow id needs to be included in DL packets over the air interface, RAN 2 has made following agreements: DL packets over Uu interface are marked inband with QOS-flow-id for the purposes of reflective QoS; and UL packets over Uu are marked inband with QOS-flow-id for the purposes of marking forwarded packets to the CN.

[0032] RAN2 has also realized that the inclusion of the QoS flow ID in every packet is a problem from the perspective of increased overhead, so RAN2 has agreed that further study should be made as to whether DL packets can be semi- statically configured to not include the QOS flow ID in some cases.

[0033] Certain embodiments rely on the fact that the single packet of a QoS flow received by the UE is enough for configuring UL filters on NAS and AS layers. However, it cannot be always guaranteed that the UE receives the (single) packet with the QoS flow ID - for example, in the case of RLC UM or UE for some reason may not able configure filters from the first packet - so the inclusion of QoS flow ID to multiple packets may be needed. One embodiment introduces the CN assisted selective DL QoS flow marking concept in RAN. [0034] An embodiment provides that, instead of including the QoS flow ID in every DL radio packet of a QoS flow subject to reflective QoS, the QoS flow ID is included only in the first packet(s) or until the network has verified that the UE has configured UL filters correctly. According to one embodiment, verification for both NAS and AS filter configuration may be needed before the packets of a QoS flow can be sent without Qos flow IDs towards the UE. In an embodiment, when the CN has verified that the UE has configured UL filters correctly, the CN indicates to RAN that the mapping is correct so that RAN can stop attaching the QoS flow IDs to DL packets for the sake of NAS filter configuration. In addition, according to an embodiment, RAN being aware of the DL QoS flow ID to DRB mapping is able to verify the correct AS filter configuration by inspecting the UL traffic. After detecting that the UL DRB mapping made by the UE using reflective QoS is correct, RAN can stop including the QoS flow ID to DL packets for AS filter configuration by reflective manner.

[0035] However, RAN is not able to verify NAS level UL mapping by the UE since it has no visibility to the SDFs; thus, according to an embodiment, the CN verifies the correct mapping. As mentioned above, in an embodiment, after the CN has verified that the UE has configured UL filters correctly, the CN indicates to RAN that the mapping is correct so that RAN can stop attaching the flow IDs to DL packets for the sake of NAS filter configuration. Again, it is noted that verification for both NAS and AS filter configuration may be needed before the packets of a QoS flow can be sent without Qos flow IDs towards the UE.

[0036] For the AS filter verification process, the RAN maintains a DRB mapping table for DL QoS flow to DRB mapping. Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a DL DRB mapping table of a gNB, according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, RAN inspects QoS flow IDs of the UL traffic received from UL DRBs (which it must do anyways for transport QoS mapping). For QoS flows that are subject to reflective QoS, RAN compares the UL QoS flow ID to DRB binding to the DL mapping table of the QoS flow. If UL and DL DRB is the same for a QoS flow, the UL filters can be considered to be correctly configured. Therefore, there is no need to include the QoS flow ID in the DL packets for AS filter configuration purposes anymore.

[0037] For the NAS filter verification process, similar to the AS layer mapping CN-UP maintains the SDF to QoS flow mapping table. Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a DL SDF mapping table, according to an embodiment. As in the AS filter verification process, according to an embodiment, the CN-UP compares the SDF/QoS flow pair of the UL packets to the DL mapping table and verifies if the QoS flow is the same for the SDF in both directions. If they are the same, then the UE has correctly mapped the UL SDF to QoS flows.

[0038] In an embodiment, the CN-UP may inform RAN about the correct UL NAS layer mapping by using the NG3 reflective QoS bit. For example, the CN-UP may set the reflective QoS bit of a DL packet on when the RAN should use the packet for the NAS UL filter configuration. After detecting that the NAS filter for a QoS flow are correctly configured, the CN sets the reflective QoS bits of the following packets off, which indicates to the RAN that the UE has correctly configured UL NAS filter for a QoS flow, and the inclusion of DL QoS flow IDs are no longer needed for NAS filter configuration.

[0039] Fig. 3a illustrates an example of an apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may be a node, host, or server in a communications network or serving such a network. For example, in certain embodiments, apparatus 10 may be a core network node, such as a policy control function (PCF), access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), subscriber data management function (SDM), mobility management entity (MME), subscription server or home subscription server (HSS) associated with a radio access network, such as a LTE network or 5G radio access technology. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not shown in Fig. 3a.

[0040] As illustrated in Fig. 3a, apparatus 10 may include a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. While a single processor 12 is shown in Fig. 3a, multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. In fact, processor 12 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples.

[0041] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10 which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 10, including processes related to management of communication resources.

[0042] Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 12, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 12. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and removable memory. For example, memory 14 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable the apparatus 10 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0043] In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for transmitting and receiving signals and/or data to and from apparatus 10. Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 18 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the antenna(s) 15. The radio interfaces may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultrawideband (UWB), and the like. The radio interface may include components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital- to-analog converters and the like), mappers, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module, and the like, to generate symbols for a transmission via one or more downlinks and to receive symbols (for example, via an uplink). As such, transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 15 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 10. In other embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly.

[0044] In an embodiment, memory 14 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 10. The components of apparatus 10 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0045] In one embodiment, apparatus 10 may be a network node, server, or network function for a core network. According to certain embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform the functions associated with embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine or verify whether a UE has configured UL filters correctly. When the apparatus 10 verifies that the UE has configured the UL filters correctly, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to indicate to RAN that a mapping of SDF to QoS flow is correct and/or that RAN does not need to include DL QoS flow IDs for NAS filter configuration. In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to indicate to RAN by setting reflective QoS bits of following packets to off. When the apparatus 10 determines that the UE has not configured UL filters correctly, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to set a reflective QoS bit of DL packet to on.

[0046] Fig. 3b illustrates an example of an apparatus 20 according to another embodiment. In an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be a server, node, host or element in a communications network or associated with such a network. For example, apparatus 20 may be a RAN node, such as a base station, access point, node B, eNB, gNB, WLAN access point, or the like. In some example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, and the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, and the like), and/or a user interface. In some embodiments, apparatus 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as LTE, LTE-A, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, and any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 20 may include components or features not shown in Fig. 3b.

[0047] As illustrated in Fig. 3b, apparatus 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. While a single processor 22 is shown in Fig. 3b, multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. In fact, processor 22 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application- specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples.

[0048] Processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 20 including, without limitation, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 20, including processes related to management of communication resources.

[0049] Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 22, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 22. Memory 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and removable memory. For example, memory 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable the apparatus 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0050] In some embodiments, apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for receiving a downlink or signal and for transmitting via an uplink from apparatus 20. Apparatus 20 may further include a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 25. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of LTE, LTE-A, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an uplink.

[0051] For instance, transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 20. In other embodiments, transceiver 28 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Apparatus 20 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

[0052] In an embodiment, memory 24 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 20. The components of apparatus 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0053] According to one embodiment, apparatus 20 may be a RAN node, for example. According to certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to perform the functions associated with embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to inspect QoS flow IDs of the UL traffic received from UL DRBs. For QoS flows that are subject to reflective QoS, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to compare the UL QoS flow ID to DRB binding to the DL mapping table of the QoS flow. If the comparison shows that UL and DL DRB is the same for a QoS flow, apparatus 20 may conclude that the UL filters are correctly configured, and apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to stop including the QoS flow ID in the DL packets for AS filter configuration purposes.

[0054] Fig. 4a illustrates an example flow chart of a method, according to one embodiment. In an embodiment, the method of Fig. 4a may be performed by a core network node. As illustrated in Fig. 4a, the method may include, at 400, determining or verifying whether a UE has configured UL filters correctly. When the core network node verifies that the UE has configured the UL filters correctly, indicating, at 410, to RAN that a mapping of SDF to QoS flow is correct and/or that RAN does not need to include DL QoS flow IDs for NAS filter configuration. In an embodiment, the indicating may include setting reflective QoS bits of following packets to off. When the core network node determines that the UE has not configured UL filters correctly, setting, at 420, a reflective QoS bit of DL packet to on.

[0055] Fig. 4b illustrates an example flow chart of a method, according to one embodiment. In an embodiment, the method of Fig. 4b may be performed by a RAN node. As illustrated in Fig. 4b, the method may include, at 450, inspecting QoS flow IDs of the UL traffic received from UL DRBs. For QoS flows that are subject to reflective QoS, the method may include, at 460, comparing the UL QoS flow ID to DRB binding to the DL mapping table of the QoS flow. If the comparison shows that UL and DL DRB is the same for a QoS flow, the method may include, at 470, concluding that the UL filters are correctly configured, and stopping including the QoS flow ID in the DL packets for AS filter configuration purposes.

[0056] Embodiments described herein are capable of providing several technical improvements and/or advantages. For example, certain embodiments are able to reduce overhead by preventing the inclusion of QoS flow IDs in multiple packets. Accordingly, the use of embodiments of the invention results in the improved functioning and performance of communications networks and their nodes.

[0057] In some embodiments, the functionality of any of the methods, processes, signaling diagrams, or flow charts described herein may be implemented by software and/or computer program code or portions of code stored in memory or other computer readable or tangible media, and executed by a processor.

[0058] In some embodiments, an apparatus may be, included or be associated with at least one software application, module, unit or entity configured as arithmetic operation(s), or as a program or portions of it (including an added or updated software routine), executed by at least one operation processor. Programs, also called program products or computer programs, including software routines, applets and macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and include program instructions to perform particular tasks.

[0059] A computer program product may comprise one or more computer- executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of an embodiment may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

[0060] Software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and/or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0061] In other embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware, for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0062] According to an embodiment, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation.

[0063] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method, comprising:

determining, by a core network node, whether a user equipment has correctly configured uplink filters; and

when the core network node determines that the user equipment has configured the uplink filters correctly, indicating to a radio access network that at least one of a mapping of service data flows to quality of service flow is correct or that the radio access network does not need to include downlink quality of service flow identifiers for non-access stratum filter configuration.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the indicating comprises setting reflective quality of service bits of following packets to off.

3. The method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein, when the core network node determines that the user equipment has not configured uplink filters correctly, the method comprises setting a reflective quality of service bit of downlink packets to on.

4. An apparatus, comprising:

means for performing the method according to any one of claims 1-3.

5. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code,

the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to

determine whether a user equipment has correctly configured uplink filters; and when it is determined that the user equipment has configured the uplink filters correctly, indicate to a radio access network that at least one of a mapping of service data flows to quality of service flow is correct or that the radio access network does not need to include downlink quality of service flow identifiers for non-access stratum filter configuration.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, when it is determined that the user equipment has configured the uplink filters correctly, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to set reflective quality of service bits of following packets to off.

7. The apparatus according to claims 5 or 6, wherein, when it is determined that the user equipment has not configured uplink filters correctly, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to set a reflective quality of service bit of downlink packets to on.

8. A method, comprising:

inspecting, by a radio access network node, quality of service flow identifiers of the uplink traffic received from uplink data radio bearers; and

for quality of service flows that are subject to reflective quality of service, comparing the uplink quality of service flow identifier to data radio bearer binding to a downlink mapping table of the quality of service flow.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, when the comparison shows that uplink and downlink data radio bearer is the same for a quality of service flow, the method further comprises concluding that the uplink filters are correctly configured, and stopping including the quality of service flow identifier in the downlink packets for access stratum filter configuration purposes.

10. An apparatus, comprising:

means for performing the method according to any one of claims 8 or 9.

11. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code,

inspect quality of service flow identifiers of the uplink traffic received from uplink data radio bearers; and

for quality of service flows that are subject to reflective quality of service, compare the uplink quality of service flow identifier to data radio bearer binding to a downlink mapping table of the quality of service flow.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, when the comparison shows that uplink and downlink data radio bearer is the same for a quality of service flow, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to conclude that the uplink filters are correctly configured, and to stop including the quality of service flow identifier in the downlink packets for access stratum filter configuration purposes.

13. A computer program, embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium, the computer program configured to control a processor to perform a process according to any one of claims 1-3 or 8-9.