Methods and apparatus for optimizing configuration of extension headers for protocol data units of a communication system

An apparatus comprising

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform:
• receiving, from an application function of a core network, a handling request for a protocol data unit (PDU) set that comprises a protocol description and a request for removal of a header extension related to the PDU set;
• determining, based on the protocol description, that a user plane function of the core network is capable of removing the header extension for the PDU set;
• and
• causing a rule indication to be provided to the user plane function for removal of the header extension related to the PDU set.

An apparatus comprising

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform:
• receiving, from a system management function of a core network, a quality of service (QoS) rule comprising an indication for removal of a header extension for a protocol data unit (PDU) set;
• receiving at least one PDU of the PDU set comprising a header extension from an application;
• and
• in response to receiving the at least one PDU,
• causing removal of the header extension from the at least one PDU;
• and
• adjusting one or more parameters for the at least one PDU;
• and
• causing transmission of the at least one PDU without the header extension to at least one radio access network.