[FS_AMD_Ph2] WT#5: 5G System-independent media streaming
This CR addresses Work Topic #5 of the study item, which recognizes that many 5G Media Streaming (5GMS) features are largely independent of 5G System functionalities and could benefit service providers and network operators outside of 5G deployments. The study examines opportunities and technical aspects for using 5GMS features in non-5G environments.
The document provides a comprehensive analysis of 5GMS features and their dependencies on 5G System functionalities:
A detailed table (Table 5.27.2-1) maps each 5GMS feature to:
- Feature description clauses in TS 26.501
- Procedure definition clauses
- Dependencies on 5G System features (PCF, RAN, etc.)
Key findings on feature independence:
Services provided:
- Ingest: Pull-based or push-based content retrieval
- Caching: Multi-location content caching with configurable TTL
- Content Preparation: Content manipulation via provisioned templates
- Security: Server certificate-based content security
- Logging: CDN-equivalent access logs
- Client data reporting: In-band media-related information reporting
Conclusion: No dependency on 5G core or radio functionality identified. Equivalent to CDN services.
Enables content manipulation including:
- Encoding/transcoding
- Packaging
- Encryption and DRM protection
Applicability: Both downlink and uplink media streaming
Conclusion: No dependency on 5G core or radio functionality.
Two mechanisms defined:
- AF-based network assistance
- ANBR-based network assistance
Sub-features:
1. Bit rate recommendation: Network provides throughput estimation
2. Delivery boost: Temporary bit rate increase for buffer replenishment
AF-based Network Assistance Analysis:
The AF can gather network information using:
- CAPWAP (RFC 5415): For WiFi networks - WLC to AP management
- NETCONF (RFC 6241): For fiber/DSL/cable operators - network device configuration
- PCEF/PCRF model (TS 23.203, TS 29.212): 4G EPC Gx interface
- TR-369 (USP): Broadband Forum standard for device management
Key findings:
- AF-based procedures between AF and Media Session Handler are 5G System-independent
- Bit rate recommendations can be obtained via existing protocols (CAPWAP, NETCONF, PCC)
- Delivery boost functionality limited - most protocols are static, not dynamic online bandwidth-request protocols (except 4G PCRF/PCEF)
- RAN-based network assistance has no known API or functionality in non-5G networks
Conclusion:
1. AF-based network assistance may be independent of 5G System, particularly for bitrate recommendations
2. Delivery boosts not universally available due to dynamic nature
3. RAN-based network assistance not applicable outside 5G
Defines media delivery session characteristics:
- One or more Service Data Flows (IP 5-tuples)
- Multiple service location endpoints
- Dynamic behavior including service location switching
- ANDSP-based routing (URSP for 5G, HLOS for other interfaces)
- Mobility support
Conceptual model includes:
- 5GMSd AS instance
- Content Hosting Configuration (per Provisioning Session)
- Distribution Configuration (service location)
- Downlink media streaming session
- Service Data Flow (HTTP connection at M4d)
- Application Data Flow (media segment downloads)
Similar structure for uplink:
- 5GMSu AS instance
- Content Publishing Configuration
- Contribution Configuration
- Uplink media streaming session
- Service Data Flow and Application Data Flow at M4u
Key concept: Media delivery session identifier enables association of Service Data Flows with sessions via HTTP headers.
The following features are identified but marked "For further study":
- Content publishing (Clause 5.27.2.5)
- Dynamic policies (Clause 5.27.2.8)
- Remote control (Clause 5.27.2.9)
- Consumption reporting (Clause 5.27.2.10)
- QoE metrics reporting (Clause 5.27.2.11)
- Edge processing (Clause 5.27.2.12)
- eMBMS delivery (Clause 5.27.2.13)
- Data collection, reporting and exposure (Clause 5.27.2.14)
- Service URL handling (Clause 5.27.2.15)
- MBS delivery (Clause 5.27.2.16)
The CR adds:
- New references for non-5G protocols (RFC 5415, RFC 6241, TS 23.203, TS 29.212, TR-369)
- New Clause 5.27: "5G System-independent media streaming"
- New Clause 6.27: Placeholder for solutions
- Comprehensive reference material retained for feature analysis
Significant 5G-independence: Many 5GMS features (content hosting, preparation, consumption reporting) have no 5G System dependencies
Network assistance viability: AF-based network assistance can leverage existing protocols (CAPWAP, NETCONF, PCC) for non-5G deployments, though with limitations on dynamic features
Protocol mapping identified: Clear mapping between 5GMS requirements and existing industry protocols for various access networks
Further work needed: Multiple features require additional study to determine applicability and implementation approaches for non-5G scenarios