System and method for managing user data traffic in a wireless network

Abstract

Various embodiments described herein aim to ensure that user data transmissions (e.g., small data transmissions sent using control plane messages) do not become excessive and remain infrequent, thereby reducing the likelihood of network overload situations. In one embodiment, an admission control function (ACF) for regulating the transmission of uplink user data is implemented in a wireless communication device (WCD) (e.g., a CIoT device). Such a WCD device may receive admission information (AI) used to perform admission control (e.g., parameters used by the ACF to regulate uplink traffic, such as thresholds) from a core serving node (CSN).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to regulating user data traffic in a wireless network. Background Art

[0002] A wireless communication device (WCD) (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, phablet, personal computer, cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) device, machine-to-machine device, etc.) can be used to wirelessly transmit user data (also referred to as "application data") to a receiving communication device (e.g., a server computer such as an application server) via a wireless network (e.g., a 4G cellular network). Within a 3GPP system, user data is distinguishable from control plane data, which is data destined for a control plane protocol layer (such as, for example, a non-access stratum (NAS) protocol layer).

[0003] It is expected that in the near future, many things (e.g., household appliances, meters, vending machines, cars, buildings, etc.) will include WCDs, i.e., things will be given the ability to wirelessly transmit data via wireless networks (e.g., 3GPP 4G cellular networks). Such things with WCD capabilities are sometimes referred to as "Cellular Internet of Things (CIoT)" devices or "Machine Type Communication (MTC)" devices.

[0004] It is expected that when a CIoT device sends user data (rather than control plane data) to another device (e.g., an application server), the amount of user data will tend to be small. It is also expected that the number of CIoT devices in use will increase significantly in the near future. Therefore, even if a CIoT device only sends a small amount of user data, the total amount of user data sent by all CIoT devices in a given area (or the total number of messages sent by such devices) can flood the radio access network serving that given area. The signaling generated at each data transmission opportunity can also flood the radio access network and the core network.

[0005] Therefore, what are desired are systems and methods for governing the transmission of user data traffic in wireless networks. Summary of the invention

[0006] Some CIoT are configured to send small amounts of user data by including the user data in control plane messages (e.g., non-access stratum (NAS) messages) or as part of control plane resources (e.g., radio resource control (RRC) signaling and S1-AP signaling), rather than using user plane resources (e.g., data radio bearers (DRBs) and S1-U interfaces) to send user data. If CIoT devices are not restricted in how much or how often they send user data in this manner, such CIoT devices can potentially overload the network (e.g., overload a base station of a radio access network or overload a node in a core network).

[0007] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has specified mechanisms (eg, back-off mechanisms) for handling situations in which a network overload has occurred, but 3GPP has not specified mechanisms for preventing the overload from occurring in the first place.

[0008] One technique that can be used to prevent overload is often called "admission control". Admission control is often used to manage user data in Internet Protocol (IP) networks. So far, there is no reason to use admission control in the control plane. The present disclosure proposes to introduce an admission control mechanism that can be used for "small data" (i.e., a collection of data not larger than 200 bytes) into the control plane (however, the mechanism is also applicable to the user plane based on small data solutions and non-small data environments).

[0009] Described herein are various embodiments aimed at ensuring that user data transmissions (eg, small data transmissions sent using control plane messages) do not become excessive and remain infrequent, thereby reducing the likelihood of a network overload situation.

[0010] For example, in one embodiment, an admission control function (ACF) for managing the transmission of uplink user data is implemented in the WCD (e.g., CIoT device) itself. Such a WCD device may receive admission information (e.g., parameters used by the ACF to manage uplink traffic, such as thresholds) from a core service node (CSN) (i.e., equipment in the network that provides network services to the WCD, such as, for example, devices that implement a mobility management entity (MME), a serving GPRS support node (SGSN), a CIoT service gateway node (C-SGN), a newly proposed logical entity that supports only the necessary functionality necessary for CIoT use cases). In addition (or in an alternative), a network-based ACF is implemented in the CSN. The network-based ACF controls downlink and / or uplink user data. It is expected that the ACF is mandatory for the WCD to undergo a mobile terminal conformance testing and approval process before being allowed to operate in a 3GPP cellular network.

[0011] In some embodiments, there are two alternative ways to handle a WCD that transmits uplink user data more often than desired: deny transmission or generate a charging event when an admission threshold is exceeded. Denying transmission when an admission threshold has been exceeded can be particularly useful for ultra-low complexity devices and low-end subscription plans (e.g., fixed cost for the lifetime of the device / subscription or fixed cost for a certain period of time, such as one year). On the other hand, generating a specific charging event allows the operator to charge additionally when an admission threshold has been exceeded.

[0012] Advantages

[0013] The advantage of the embodiments described herein is that they reduce the possibility of 3GPP wireless networks being overloaded by CIoT devices that send small data. In addition, the embodiments can be used in combination with other solutions for small data transmission (see, for example, 3GPP TR 23.720Rel-14 v0.1.0 and 3GPP TR 23.887 Rel-12 v12.0.0). The embodiments also provide solutions in which network operators can configure different subscription plans for different CIoT devices based on data size, inter-arrival time, small data transmissions or packets per time unit, and the like. The embodiments can implement subscription plans for CIoT devices with reduced costs for billing. A subscription plan can be, for example, 10 small data transmissions per day for 5 years. After that, the subscription cannot be restarted (renew), but can only be abandoned. This will allow the operator's management costs to be minimized, such as monthly bills may not be required. Another advantage of the embodiments is that they enhance the restrictions on subscription plans for CIoT devices without any waste of radio resources. That is, blocking of uplink data is done at the source in the CIoT device before any radio resources are used.

[0014] The above and other aspects and embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate various embodiments.

[0016] Figure 1 A wireless communication system in accordance with some embodiments is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 is a message flow diagram illustrating a process according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 3 is a message flow diagram illustrating a process according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 4 is a message flow diagram illustrating a process according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a process according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process according to some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process according to some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process according to some embodiments.

[0024] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a process according to some embodiments.

[0025] Fig.10 is a block diagram of a CSN according to some embodiments.

[0026] Fig.11 is a block diagram of a WCD according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figure 1 1 shows a wireless communication system 100 according to some embodiments. Figure 1 As shown in , the system 100 may include a group of WCDs. In the example shown, the group WCDs consists of CIoT devices 101a, CIoT devices 101b, CIoT devices 101c, each of which is capable of transmitting uplink user data to a node 104 of a radio access network (RAN) (i.e., node 104 is a "RAN node"). Node 104 may be a base station, such as, for example, an evolved NodeB (eNB) or a CIoT base station (C-BS), which is a base station designed to serve only CIoT devices. Node 104 (also referred to as BS 104) communicates (directly or indirectly) with a core service node (CSN) 106, which is directly or indirectly (e.g., indirectly via a PDN gateway (PGW) 109) connected to a packet data network (PDN) (e.g., the Internet) 110. An application server 120 may also be connected to the network 110. BS 104 and CSN 106 enable CIoT device 101 to transmit data to or receive data from application server 120. For example, CIoT device 101 may be a meter that monitors energy consumption and application server 120 may be a data collection server for collecting energy consumption information generated by CIoT device 101.

[0028] As discussed above, there is a proposal to allow a WCD (e.g., a CIoT device) to transmit such small user data by including a small amount of uplink user data in a control plane message and transmitting the control plane message to a core network node via a radio access network (RAN), wherein the core network node will extract the user data from the control plane message and forward it to a node in the PDN (e.g., an application server connected to the Internet). Therefore, when the CIoT device 101 reports user data (e.g., energy consumption data) to the application server 120, the CIoT device 101 can be configured to transmit the data using control plane signaling. Such technology can lead to efficient use of the radio interface between the CIoT device 101 and the BS 104. However, as such data transmissions become more frequent and packets become larger, there is an inflection point where using control plane signaling to deliver user data becomes inefficient from a network resource perspective compared to using data radio bearers (DRBs) to transmit user data. It is desirable that this inflection point is not reached. Described herein is an embodiment for reducing the possibility of reaching this inflection point. The embodiment provides a mechanism for ensuring that small data transmissions do not become excessive and remain infrequent.

[0029] In one embodiment, an admission control function (ACF) for regulating the transmission of uplink user data is implemented in the WCD itself. Such a WCD device may obtain (e.g., received from a CSN or retrieved from a local configuration in the WCD or from a UICC) admission information (AI) indicating (explicitly or implicitly) at least one condition (e.g., information identifying a threshold for regulating uplink traffic or information for implementing a token bucket algorithm, such as, for example, information identifying the rate at which tokens should be added to the bucket and the maximum bucket size), under which the WCD is permitted to transmit user data to a radio access network (RAN) node. Additionally (or in an alternative), a network-based ACF is implemented in the CSN. The network-based ACF controls downlink and / or uplink user data. The network may need to perform admission control on uplink transmissions from the WCD, because there may be situations in which the WCD, which should have performed access control itself, does not do so. Such a "non-conforming" WCD should not have an advantage over a conforming WCD. In some embodiments, there are two alternative ways to handle a WCD that transmits (or attempts to transmit) uplink user data more often than desired: deny transmission or generate a charging event when an admission threshold is exceeded.

[0030] Denying transmission when an admission threshold has been exceeded can be particularly useful for ultra-low complexity devices and low-end subscription plans (e.g., fixed costs for the lifetime of the device / subscription or fixed costs for a certain period of time (e.g., one year)). In some embodiments, the billing function can be substantially simplified or completely replaced by admission control for such subscriptions / devices. "Simplified" means that traditional billing based on data volume will not be required. The "simplification" aspect can be important because the average revenue per device (ARPD) will typically be small for CIoT devices, so the cost of managing such devices should be kept to a minimum. The fixed lifetime cost of a CIoT device or the fixed cost for a certain period of time (e.g., one year) is an example of what it would be easier for an operator to provide. On the other hand, in some other embodiments, for devices that are not at the lowest end and in which some billing is used, generating specific billing events can allow operators to charge additionally when the admission threshold has been exceeded. In this case, generating specific billing events is used when excessive traffic has occurred and is recorded by the network (rather than abandoning traffic outside the profile), which will allow operators to charge additionally for these events.

[0031] The decision whether to discard or generate a charging event is preferably WCD / subscriber specific (ie, for certain low-end subscribers, excess data is discarded while other subscribers can continue to be served at a higher rate based on a subscription plan or service level agreement).

[0032] In some embodiments, new subscription parameters from the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) to the CSN can be used to decide whether to abandon or charge the event for a particular WCD. This indication can also be communicated from the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) service provider to the network operator by other means, such as as a parameter in a Service Level Agreement (SLA). It can also be communicated as a parameter in service open signaling from an application server via a Service Capability Open Function (SCEF) to an HSS subscription profile or CSN.

[0033] When the CSN has received the parameters, the parameters will be stored in the CSN (e.g., in the data storage system 1012 of the CSN) and used by the ACF implemented in the CSN. The parameters may also be included in the admission information (AI) passed to the WCD device. The ACF in the WCD may then use this information for higher-level uplink admission control (e.g., only communicate a certain number of small data messages that exceed the admission profile, only communicate specific types of small data messages when the profile is exceeded, etc.).

[0034] In some embodiments, instead of blocking the WCD from transmitting control plane signaling containing uplink user data because an uplink user data threshold has been reached, the WCD can be configured to attempt to transmit user data using non-control plane signaling (eg, using data radio bearers and S1-U).

[0035] In some environments, it is primarily the total amount of small data transmitted in a time period that causes high control plane system load, rather than the total amount of data transmitted in that time period. Therefore, in some embodiments, ACF has focused on controlling the total amount of small data transmitted in a given time period. However, in other environments, it is primarily the total amount of data transmitted in a given time period that causes high control plane system load. Therefore, in other embodiments, ACF has focused on managing the amount of data transmitted (e.g., the amount of data communicated at each opportunity and / or total over a time period).

[0036] Provision of permission information

[0037] In some embodiments, the network operator should be able to use different subscription plans and flexible settings of admission information (AI). In some embodiments, the AI ​​for a WCD (or group of WCDs) is stored in a database 108 (e.g., a home subscriber server (HSS), such as Figure 1 The AI ​​may include thresholds representing, for example, maximum data size, arrival time interval, maximum number of small data transfers or packets or messages per unit time (e.g., day or hour), etc.

[0038] Admission for downlink is checked in the network (e.g., MME, C-SGN, or PGW) and admission for uplink is checked in both WCD and network (e.g., MME, C-SGN, or PGW). WCD should check uplink admission to avoid radio resources becoming overloaded. Network also needs to check uplink admission if WCD does not regulate itself (i.e., is "non-compliant") for some reason. Non-compliant terminal implementation should have no advantage over compliant terminals.

[0039] In some embodiments, the AI ​​is sent to the WCD by the network. The AI ​​may be delivered, for example, in an Attach Accept message, in a TAU Accept message, in a Session Create (Create PDN Connection) Accept / Response message, as a PCO parameter, or in other NAS messages.

[0040] Reference now Figure 2 , Figure 2 is a message flow diagram illustrating a process for provisioning AI to a CSN (eg, MME, C-SGN, gateway, etc.) and a WCD according to some embodiments. Figure 2 As shown in:

[0041] In step 201, the WCD makes an initial attach to the network (eg, the WCD transmits an initial NAS message, such as, for example, an Attach Request).

[0042] In step 202, the CSN obtains permission information. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , the CSN may retrieve the permission information from a database within the network. For example, in step 202, in response to receiving an initial NAS message (e.g., an attach request) transmitted by a WCD, the CSN may send a data query containing an identifier for identifying the WCD to DB 108, and in response to the query, the DB transmits subscription information associated with the identified WCD to the CSN, the subscription information containing the permission information associated with the WCD.

[0043] In step 203, the CSN stores the admission information locally (e.g., it may be stored in a mobility management (MM) context (which is stored in the data storage system 1012 of the CSN) or it may be stored only temporarily). In addition, the CSN also stores state information (e.g., counters, timers, etc.) associated with the WCD (or WCD group), which is used to perform downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) admission control with respect to data transmitted by the WCD (or by the WCDs included in the WCD group). In one embodiment, the AI ​​can also be provided to the PGW, for example, as part of the create session signaling, and stored and used for admission control in the PGW, especially admission control of downlink data.

[0044] In step 204, the CSN communicates Grant Information (AI) to the WCD. This may be done as part of an Attach Accept, TAU Accept, Default Connectivity Response, other session creation signaling, or as part of other NAS messages to the WCD. When the AI ​​has changed (e.g., the DB or CSN has been updated with a new AI), the GUTI Relocation message may, for example, also communicate Grant Information.

[0045] In step 205, the WCD receives the message containing the AI ​​and stores the AI ​​locally. In addition, the WCD also maintains locally the state information (e.g., counters, timers, etc.) required to perform UL admission control. In other embodiments, the AI ​​is pre-configured in the Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) or Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) of the WCD by the operator of the WCD.

[0046] UL Admission Control

[0047] As described above, in some embodiments, WCD 101 should perform admission control before transmitting any small user data (i.e., a set of user data of no more than 200 bytes) to BS 104. For example, in some embodiments, admission control is performed by the WCD before any radio resource control (RRC) signaling is performed to minimize the load on the radio resources. Admission control should be performed based at least on the state information available in the WCD. Conformance testing should be able to determine whether the CIoT device supports small data admission control.

[0048] Reference now Figure 3 , Figure 3 is a message flow diagram showing the UL admission control process. Figure 3 As shown in:

[0049] In step 301 , a terminal equipment (TE) component of a WCD provides UL user data (e.g., small user data) to a mobile terminal (MT) component of the WCD (e.g., over a standardized internal API, see e.g., TS 3GPP TS 27.007, or over other implementation specific internal APIs or interfaces within or with the WCD).

[0050] In step 302, the MT performs admission control based on state information (counters, timers) available in the WCD. If UL user data is not permitted, the MT should, depending on the device implementation, reject the UL user data transmission request or abandon the user data, or attempt to transmit the data at a later time. For example, in some embodiments, the MT uses a traditional token bucket algorithm to perform admission control. In such embodiments, the state information may include a data transmission value (V) (also referred to as a "bucket value") (e.g., a counter) that identifies the number of logical "tokens" currently in the logical "bucket", and if V is equal to zero, UL user data is not permitted (i.e., the MT can transmit UL data), otherwise UL data is permitted (i.e., the MT can transmit UL data). In such embodiments, the AI ​​may specify that the MT should initially set V to 0 or 1 and then periodically increase V by a set amount (e.g., increase V by 1 every hour), unless V has reached a threshold (maximum bucket size) (e.g., 10), in which case the MT should stop increasing V. That is, the AI ​​may specify the rate at which tokens are added to the bucket (e.g., one token per hour) and the maximum bucket size (e.g., 10 tokens). In some embodiments, the MT should decrement V each time it transmits user data (or a specific type of user data, such as small data). The MT may decrement V by 1 for each message it sends or it may decrement V based on the size of the message. The amount by which the MT decrements V may also be specified in the AI.

[0051] In step 303, after successful admission control, the MT sends UL user data to the BS.

[0052] In step 304, the BS forwards the UL user data to the CSN.

[0053] In step 305, the CSN performs admission control based on the state information (counters, timers) available in the CN node. In some embodiments, if the UL data is not allowed, the UL data is abandoned. Further, the small user data transmission can be aborted accordingly (e.g., the WCD is moved to idle, and the BS is notified with an appropriate cause code, and the RRC connection is released). Similar to the WCD, the CSN can use a token bucket scheme to perform admission control.

[0054] In step 306a, after successful admission control, the CSN forwards the UL user data to the receiving application server. If the CSN contains a PGW that can be used to forward user data to a node in the PDN (eg, an application server) or the WCD is a non-roaming WCD, step 306a is performed.

[0055] In step 306b, after successful admission control, the CSN sends the UL usage data to the PGW. If the CSN does not contain a PGW or if a separate PGW has to be used for the WCD (such as in a roaming scenario), step 306b is performed.

[0056] In step 307, the PGW may be deployed to perform user data admission control.

[0057] In step 308, the PGW forwards the UL user data to the application server.

[0058] DL admission control

[0059] Reference now Figure 4 , Figure 4 is a message flow diagram showing the DL admission control process. Figure 4 As shown in:

[0060] In step 401a, the application server sends DL data (eg, DL small data) to the PGW for use by the WCD using small data. If the CSN does not include a PGW or if the PGW is used in a roaming situation or if the application server cannot communicate directly with the CSN, step 401a may be performed.

[0061] In step 401b, the application server sends the DL data to the CSN. If the CSN contains a PGW and the application server can communicate directly with the CSN (eg, in a non-roaming scenario), step 401b is performed.

[0062] In step 402, the PGW may optionally be deployed to perform small data admission control. In this case, the PGW may perform admission control for DL ​​data (and optionally for both DL data and UL data depending on the configuration). The admission control in the PGW is based on the state information (counters, timers) and AI available in the PGW.

[0063] In step 403, the PGW forwards the DL data to the CSN.

[0064] In step 404, the CSN performs admission control based on the state information (counters, timers) and AI available in the CN node. If DL data is not allowed, the DL data can be abandoned. Further, small data transmission should be aborted when appropriate (depending on the solution), such as when paging of no WCD is done.

[0065] In step 405, after successful admission control, the CSN communicates DL data to the WCD.

[0066] In step 406, the BS receives the DL data transmitted by the CSN and forwards the DL data to the WCD.

[0067] In step 407, the MT sends the DL data to the TE, or to a receiver within the WCD over other implementation specific internal APIs or interfaces, or to a receiver external to the MT or WCD.

[0068] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a process 500 performed by a WCD in accordance with some embodiments.

[0069] In step 502, the WCD obtains permission information (AI) indicating at least one condition under which the WCD is permitted to transmit user data to a radio access network (RAN) node. For example, the AI ​​may indicate that the WCD is permitted to transmit user data only when a "bucket" contains at least one "token". That is, for example, the AI ​​may specify a rate at which tokens are added to the bucket and a maximum bucket size. In some other embodiments, the AI ​​includes information identifying (explicitly or implicitly) a threshold value (T).

[0070] In step 504, the WCD initiates an uplink (UL) transmission of user data via the wireless network. For example, in step 504, the WCD stores the user data in a transmission buffer.

[0071] In step 506, the WCD performs admission control with respect to the user data based on the obtained AI. For example, in step 506, the WCD uses the AI ​​(or the bucket defined by the AI) to determine whether the WCD can transmit the user data to the BS at this time.

[0072] In some embodiments, performing admission control includes the WCD using state information maintained by the WCD (e.g., information related to previously transmitted user data (such as the data transmission value (V) mentioned above)) to determine whether the WCD can transmit the user data to the RAN node at this time. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the WCD cannot transmit the user data to the RAN node at this time, the WCD i) discards the user data, or ii) transmits the user data at a later point in time.

[0073] In some embodiments, before executing step 506, the WCD determines whether the user data qualifies as small data, and executes step 506 only if the user data is small data, otherwise the WCD transmits the user data using, for example, DRB.

[0074] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process 600 performed by a WCD in accordance with some embodiments.

[0075] In step 602, the WCD obtains admission information (AI) containing information identifying (explicitly or implicitly) a threshold (T), which can be a maximum bucket size value or another threshold limit.

[0076] In step 604, the WCD stores the obtained AI (eg, the WCD stores the AI ​​in a data storage system 1112 within the WCD).

[0077] In step 606, the WCD stores state information (e.g., the WCD stores the state information in the data storage system 1112) including a data transfer value (V) related to a previous data transfer made by the WCD via the wireless network. In some embodiments, V corresponds to at least one of: i) the number of wireless data transfers made by the WCD, ii) the amount of data wirelessly transmitted by the WCD, or iii) the number of logical tokens within a logical bucket. For example, in some embodiments, V corresponds to the number of packets wirelessly transmitted by the WCD. In other embodiments, V corresponds to the number of small data messages wirelessly transmitted by the WCD (e.g., V identifies the number of small data messages wirelessly transmitted by the WCD within a recent unit of time (e.g., day, hour, etc.) or an ongoing time interval (e.g., day, hour, etc.). In other embodiments, as discussed above, V can be a token counter for a token bucket scheme (i.e., V identifies the number of tokens in the bucket).

[0078] In step 608, the WCD obtains and stores user data for transmission to the node via the wireless network.

[0079] In step 609, if a new time interval has been entered, the WCD resets V (e.g., the WCD sets V=0). As an example, the WCD may reset V a certain amount of time (e.g., 1 hour) after the most recent transmission of user data. In this way, for example, the WCD can ensure that user data is only transmitted once per time interval (e.g., once per hour). In an alternative implementation, control of the value of V may be based on a token bucket algorithm.

[0080] In step 610, the WCD compares V against T. For example, as shown in step 610, the WCD determines whether V>T. If V is greater than T, the process proceeds to step 612, otherwise it proceeds to step 614. The V>T comparison can be made in different ways, such as before the increment V has been made for the current transmission, or after the increment has been made as described in step 615. That is, in some embodiments, step 615 is performed before step 610. In the token bucket algorithm, T can be zero (0) and in step 610 the WCD can determine whether V=T, and, if so, proceed to step 612, otherwise proceed to step 614.

[0081] In step 612, the WCD abandons the user data or transmits the user data at a later point in time. In some embodiments, the step of transmitting the user data at a later point in time includes one of: a) waiting at least a certain amount of time and then retrying to transmit the user data after the amount of time has elapsed, b) waiting at least until the data transmission value (V) has been reset (e.g., returned to zero) and then transmitting the user data, or c) using the DRB to transmit the user data along with other user data that was previously buffered for uplink transmission.

[0082] In step 614, the WCD transmits the user data and in step 615 the WCD updates V. In some embodiments, the WCD updates V by increasing V by an amount (in other embodiments it decreases V by the amount). In some embodiments, the amount is 1 (e.g., V=V+1). In some embodiments, transmitting the user data consists of transmitting N number of packets or N number of data octets or N number of small data messages, and V is increased / decreased by an amount equal to N (e.g., V=V+N). In some embodiments, transmitting the user data via the wireless network includes the WCD transmitting a control plane message (e.g., a NAS message) including at least a portion of the user data to the CSN via the BS.

[0083] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process 700 performed by a WCD and / or CSN according to some embodiments.

[0084] In step 702, the device (ie, WCD or CSN) obtains and stores admission control information (AI) including information identifying (explicitly or implicitly) a threshold value (T).

[0085] In step 704, the device stores a data transfer value (V) associated with a previous data transfer made by the WCD via the wireless network.

[0086] In step 706 , the device activates a timer for a time interval for admission control and initializes a data transfer value (V) (eg, sets V=0).

[0087] In step 708, the device determines whether the timer has expired.

[0088] In step 710 , in response to determining that the timer has expired, the device resets the timer for the time interval for admission control and reinitializes the data transfer value (V) (eg, sets V=0).

[0089] Figure 8 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process 800 performed by a CSN according to some embodiments. In step 802, the CSN obtains admission information (AI) indicating at least one condition under which the WCD is permitted to transmit or receive user data. In step 804, the CSN stores the obtained AI (e.g., the CSN stores the AI ​​in a data storage system 1012 in the CSN). In step 806, the CSN receives user data transmitted by or to the WCD. In step 808, the CSN uses the AI ​​to perform admission control with respect to the user data.

[0090] In some embodiments, the CSN also stores state information related to previous user data transmissions to or from the WCD. In such embodiments, the step of performing admission control includes the CSN using the state information to determine whether a traffic threshold identified by the AI ​​has been exceeded. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the traffic threshold has been exceeded, the CSN does one of the following: i) discards the received user data, ii) transmits the user data to the intended recipient and generates a charging event for exceeding the threshold, or iii) transmits the user data to the intended recipient at a later point in time.

[0091] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a process 900 performed by a CSN according to such an embodiment.

[0092] In step 902, the CSN obtains admission information (AI) containing information identifying (explicitly or implicitly) a threshold value (T) corresponding to a traffic threshold.

[0093] In step 904 , the CSN stores the obtained AI (eg, the CSN stores the AI ​​in the data storage system 1012 ).

[0094] In step 906, the CSN stores state information associated with the WCD (e.g., the CSN stores the state information in the data storage system 1012). In this case, the state information includes or consists of data transfer values ​​(V) related to previous user data transfers to or from the WCD. In some embodiments, V corresponds to at least one of: i) the number of wireless data transfers made by the WCD, ii) the amount of data wirelessly transferred by the WCD, or iii) the number of logical tokens within a logical bucket. For example, in some embodiments, V corresponds to the number of packets wirelessly transferred by the WCD (e.g., the number of packets transferred for the most recent hour, another unit of time, or an ongoing time interval). As another example, in some embodiments, V corresponds to the number of small data messages wirelessly transferred by the WCD (e.g., V identifies the number of small data messages wirelessly transferred by the WCD within the most recent unit of time (e.g., day, hour, etc.) or an ongoing time interval).

[0095] In step 908, the CSN receives user data transmitted by or to the WCD. In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the WCD transmits the user data by packaging the user data within a control plane message (e.g., a NAS message). Thus, in some embodiments, the CSN receives the user data by receiving a control plane message containing at least a portion of the user data.

[0096] In step 909, the CSN resets V if a new time interval has been entered.

[0097] In step 910 , the CSN compares V to T. More specifically, in this example, the CSN determines whether V>T. If V>T is true, the process proceeds to step 912 , otherwise it proceeds to step 918 .

[0098] In step 912, the CSN determines whether it should transmit the data and generate additional charges. If not, the process proceeds to step 914, otherwise it proceeds to step 916.

[0099] In step 914, the CSN discards the user data or transmits the user data at a later point in time.

[0100] In step 916, the CSN generates a charging event and / or stores charging information that enables additional charging.

[0101] In step 918, the CSN transmits the user data, and in step 920, V is updated. In some embodiments, step 920 is performed before step 910.

[0102] In some embodiments, the CSN updates V by increasing V by an amount (in other embodiments it decreases V by the amount). In some embodiments, the amount is 1 (e.g., V=V+1). In some embodiments, transmitting user data consists of transmitting N number of packets or N number of data octets or N number of small data messages, and V is increased / decreased by an amount equal to N (e.g., V=V+N). In some embodiments, transmitting user data comprises the CSN transmitting a control plane message (e.g., a NAS message) including at least a portion of the user data to the WCD via the BS.

[0103] Fig.10 is a block diagram of an embodiment of CSN 105. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the CSN 105 may include: a data processing system (DPS) 1002, which may include one or more processors 1055 (e.g., a general-purpose microprocessor and / or one or more other data processing circuits, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like); a network interface 1005 for use in connecting the CSN 105 to a network; and a data storage system 1012 for storing AI, state information, and other data, which may include one or more non-volatile storage devices and / or one or more volatile devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM)). In embodiments where the CSN 105 includes a general-purpose microprocessor, a computer program product (CPP) 1041 may be provided. The CPP 1041 includes a computer-readable medium (CRM) 1042 storing a computer program (CP) 1043, the computer program (CP) 1043 including computer-readable instructions (CRI) 1044. CRM 1042 may be a non-transitory computer readable medium such as, but not limited to, a magnetic medium (e.g., a hard disk), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), a memory device (e.g., a random access memory), and the like. In some embodiments, CRI 1044 of computer program 1043 is configured so that when executed by data processing system 1002, CRI causes CSN 105 to perform the steps described above (e.g., the steps described above with reference to the flowchart). In other embodiments, CSN 105 may be configured to perform the steps described herein without requiring code. That is, for example, data processing system 1002 may consist solely of one or more ASICs. Thus, the features of the embodiments described herein may be implemented in hardware and / or software.

[0104] Fig.11 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of WCD 101. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , WCD 101 may include: a data processing system (DPS) 1102, which may include one or more processors 1155 (e.g., a general purpose microprocessor and / or one or more other data processing circuits, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like); a radio transceiver 1105 coupled to an antenna 1122 for the purpose of wirelessly transmitting data; and a data storage system 1112 for storing AI, state information, and other data, which may include one or more non-volatile storage devices and / or one or more volatile storage devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM)). In embodiments where WCD 101 includes a general purpose microprocessor, a computer program product (CPP) 1141 may be provided. CPP 1141 includes a computer readable medium (CRM) 1142 storing a computer program (CP) 1143, the computer program (CP) 1143 including computer readable instructions (CRI) 1144. CRM 1142 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as, but not limited to, a magnetic medium (e.g., a hard disk), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), a memory device (e.g., a random access memory), and the like. In some embodiments, CRI 1144 of computer program 1143 is configured so that when executed by data processing system 1102, CRI causes WCD 101 to perform the steps described above (e.g., the steps described above with reference to the flowchart). In other embodiments, WCD 101 may be configured to perform the steps described herein without requiring code. That is, for example, data processing system 1102 may consist solely of one or more ASICs. Thus, the features of the embodiments described herein may be implemented in hardware and / or software.

[0105] Some of the embodiments described above can be summarized as follows:

[0106] In one aspect, a first method for regulating user data traffic in a wireless network is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes a wireless communication device (WCD) (e.g., a cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) device) obtaining admission information (AI) indicating at least one condition under which the WCD is permitted to transmit user data to a radio access network (RAN) node. The method further includes the WCD initiating an uplink (UL) transmission of the user data via the wireless network. The method also includes the WCD performing admission control relative to the user data based on the obtained AI.

[0107] In some embodiments, the method further includes the WCD storing state information related to previously transmitted user data. In this embodiment, the step of performing admission control relative to the user data includes: the WCD uses the state information to determine whether the WCD can transmit the user data to the RAN node at this time; and, in response to determining that the WCD cannot transmit the user data to the RAN node at this time, the WCD i) abandons the user data, or ii) transmits the user data at a later point in time. In some embodiments, the AI ​​includes information identifying a threshold (T), and the state information includes a data transmission value (V) corresponding to at least one of the following: i) the number of wireless data transmissions made by the WCD, ii) the amount of data wirelessly transmitted by the WCD, or iii) the number of logical tokens within a logical bucket. In some embodiments, the data transmission value (V) corresponds to: the number of packets wirelessly transmitted by the WCD or the number of small data messages wirelessly transmitted by the WCD. In some embodiments, using the state information to determine whether the WCD can transmit the user data to the node via the wireless network at this time includes comparing the data transmission value (V) to the threshold (T). In such embodiments, the method further includes updating V as a result of transmitting the user data.

[0108] In some embodiments, the method further includes, at a later point in time, the WCD using the state information to determine whether the WCD can transmit the user data to the node via the wireless network at this time; and in response to determining that the WCD can transmit the user data via the wireless network, the WCD transmits the user data via the wireless network and the WCD increases the data transmission value (V). In some embodiments, transmitting the user data via the wireless network consists of transmitting N number of packets or N number of data octets or N number of small data messages, and increasing the data transmission value consists of increasing the data transmission value by N.

[0109] In some embodiments, transmitting the user data via the wireless network includes transmitting a control plane message including at least a portion of the user data.

[0110] In some embodiments, the method further includes resetting the data transfer value (V) in response to determining that a new timer interval has been entered.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method further includes the WCD transmitting an initial non-access stratum (NAS) message to the network node. In such embodiments, the WCD receives a NAS response message transmitted by the network node as a result of the network node processing the initial NAS message. In such embodiments, the NAS response message includes the AI, and the WCD obtains the AI ​​from the NAS response message. In some embodiments, the initial non-access stratum (NAS) message is one of an attach request message or a tracking area update request message, and the NAS response message is one of an attach accept message or a tracking area update accept message.

[0112] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining whether the user data type is of a certain type, wherein the step of performing admission control is performed as a result of determining that the user data is of that type.

[0113] In some embodiments, the step of transmitting the user data at a later point in time comprises one of: a) waiting for at least a certain amount of time and then retrying to transmit the user data after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, b) waiting at least until V has been reset and then transmitting the user data, or c) using a data radio bearer (DRB) to transmit the user data together with other user data that was previously buffered for uplink transmission.

[0114] In another aspect, a wireless communication device (WCD) for managing user data traffic is provided. In some embodiments, the WCD includes a data storage system (DSS); and a data processing system (DPS) coupled to the data storage system. The WCD is configured to: store admission information (AI) indicating at least one condition in the DSS, under which the WCD is permitted to transmit user data to a radio access network (RAN) node; and perform admission control relative to the user data based on the obtained AI.

[0115] In some embodiments, the WCD is further configured to: store state information related to previously transmitted user data in the DSS. In such embodiments, the WCD is configured to perform admission control with respect to the user data by: using the state information to determine whether the WCD can transmit the user data to the RAN node; and in response to determining that the WCD cannot transmit the user data to the RAN node, discarding the user data or transmitting the user data at a later point in time.

[0116] In some embodiments, the AI ​​includes information identifying a threshold value (T) and the state information includes a data transfer value (V) corresponding to at least one of: i) a number of wireless data transfers made by the WCD, ii) an amount of data wirelessly transferred by the WCD, or iii) a number of logical tokens within a logical bucket. In such embodiments, using the state information to determine whether the WCD can transfer user data to the node via the wireless network includes comparing the data transfer value (V) to the threshold value (T). In such embodiments, the WCD is further configured to update V as a result of the WCD transferring user data. In some embodiments, the data transfer value (V) corresponds to: a number of packets wirelessly transferred by the WCD or a number of small data messages wirelessly transferred by the WCD.

[0117] In some embodiments, the WCD is further configured to employ a transmitter to transmit an initial non-access stratum (NAS) message to a network node and receive a NAS response message transmitted by the network node as a result of the network node processing the initial NAS message. In some embodiments, the NAS response message includes the AI, and the WCD obtains the AI ​​from the NAS response message. The initial non-access stratum (NAS) message may be one of an attach request message or a tracking area update request message, and the NAS response message may be one of an attach accept message or a tracking area update accept message.

[0118] In some embodiments, the WCD is further configured to determine whether the user data type is of a certain type, wherein the WCD is configured to perform admission control with respect to the user data only if the user data is of that type.

[0119] In another aspect, a second method for managing user data traffic in a wireless network is provided. In some embodiments, the second method includes a core service node (CSN) (e.g., MME, SGW, PGW, C-SGN) obtaining admission information (AI) indicating at least one condition under which a WCD is permitted to transmit or receive user data. The method also includes the CSN storing the obtained AI. The method further includes the CSN receiving user data transmitted by the WCD or transmitted to the WCD by another node, and in response to receiving the user data, the CSN using the AI ​​to perform admission control with respect to the user data.

[0120] In some embodiments, the method further includes the CSN storing state information related to previous user data transmissions to or from the WCD. In such embodiments, the step of performing admission control includes: the CSN using the state information to determine whether a traffic threshold has been exceeded; and, in response to determining that the traffic threshold has been exceeded, the CSN i) discards the received user data, or ii) transmits the user data to the intended recipient and generates a charging event for exceeding the threshold, or iii) transmits the user data to the intended recipient at a later point in time.

[0121] In some embodiments, the AI ​​includes information identifying a threshold value (T) corresponding to a traffic threshold, and the status information includes a data transfer value (V) corresponding to at least one of: i) a number of wireless data transfers made by the WCD, ii) an amount of data wirelessly transferred by the WCD, or iii) a number of logical tokens within a logical bucket. In such embodiments, using the status information to determine whether the traffic threshold has been exceeded includes comparing the data transfer value (V) to the threshold value (T).

[0122] In some embodiments, the data transfer value (V) corresponds to: the number of packets wirelessly transmitted by the WCD or the number of small data messages wirelessly transmitted by the WCD.

[0123] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the CSN receiving second user data transmitted by the WCD via the RAN, in response to receiving the second user data, the CSN using the status information to determine whether a traffic threshold has been exceeded; and in response to determining that the traffic threshold has not been exceeded, the CSN forwarding the second user data to another node and increasing the data transmission value (V). In some embodiments, the step of receiving the second user data comprises receiving: N number of packets or N number of data octets or N number of small data messages, and the step of increasing the data transmission value consists of increasing the data transmission value by N.

[0124] In some embodiments, the method further includes resetting the data transfer value in response to determining that a new timer interval has been entered.

[0125] In some embodiments, the step of receiving the user data comprises receiving a control plane message (eg, a NAS message) comprising at least a portion of the user data.

[0126] In some embodiments, the method further includes the CSN receiving an initial NAS message transmitted by one of the WCDs. In such embodiments, the method further includes the CSN transmitting an AI request to the subscriber server in response to the initial NAS message, and after transmitting the AI ​​request, the CSN receiving the AI ​​from the subscriber server. The method further includes the CSN storing the AI ​​and transmitting the AI ​​to the WCD as part of a NAS response to the initial NAS message.

[0127] In some embodiments, the method further includes the CSN receiving downlink user data addressed to the WCD. In such embodiments, in response to receiving the downlink user data, the CSN uses the AI ​​and the status information to determine whether a traffic threshold has been exceeded. In response to determining that the traffic threshold has been exceeded, the CSN may either i) discard the received downlink user data, or ii) transmit the downlink user data to the WCD and generate a charging event for exceeding the threshold.

[0128] In another aspect, a core service node (CSN) for managing user data traffic is provided. The CSN includes a network interface, a data storage system (DSS); and a data processing system (DPS) coupled to the network interface and the DSS. The CSN is configured to obtain permission information (AI) indicating at least one condition (under which the WCD is permitted to transmit or receive user data), store the obtained AI, receive user data transmitted by the WCD or transmitted to the WCD by another node, and in response to receiving the user data, use the AI ​​to perform admission control relative to the user data.

[0129] In some embodiments, the CSN is further configured to store state information related to previous user data transmissions to or from the WCD. In such embodiments, the CSN performs admission control by using the state information to determine whether a traffic threshold has been exceeded, and in response to determining that the traffic threshold has been exceeded, i) discarding the received user data, or ii) transmitting the user data to the intended recipient and generating a charging event for exceeding the threshold, or iii) transmitting the user data to the intended recipient at a later point in time.

[0130] In some embodiments, the AI ​​includes information identifying a threshold value (T) corresponding to the traffic threshold and the status information includes a data transfer value (V) corresponding to at least one of: i) a number of wireless data transfers made by the WCD, ii) an amount of data wirelessly transferred by the WCD, or iii) a number of logical tokens within a logical bucket. In such embodiments, the CSN is configured to use the AI ​​and the status information to determine whether the traffic threshold has been exceeded by comparing the data transfer value (V) to the threshold value (T).

[0131] In some embodiments, the data transfer value (V) corresponds to: the number of packets wirelessly transmitted by the WCD or the number of small data messages wirelessly transmitted by the WCD.

[0132] In some embodiments, the CSN is further operable to receive second user data transmitted by the WCD via the RAN. In response to receiving the second user data, the CSN uses the AI ​​and the status information to determine whether the traffic threshold has been exceeded. In response to determining that the traffic threshold has not been exceeded, the CSN forwards the second user data to another node and increases the data transmission value (V).

[0133] In some embodiments, the CSN is further operable to receive an initial NAS message transmitted by one of the WCDs. In response to the initial NAS message, the CSN transmits an AI request to the subscriber server. After transmitting the AI ​​request, the CSN receives the AI ​​from the subscriber server. After receiving the AI ​​from the subscriber server, the CSN stores the AI. The CSN transmits the AI ​​to the WCD as part of a NAS response to the initial NAS message.

[0134] In some embodiments, the CSN is further operable to receive downlink user data addressed to the WCD. In response to receiving the downlink user data, the CSN uses the AI ​​and the status information to determine whether a traffic threshold has been exceeded. Also, in response to determining that the traffic threshold has been exceeded, the CSN either i) discards the received downlink user data, or ii) transmits the downlink user data to the WCD and generates a charging event for exceeding the threshold.

[0135] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented only by way of example and not limitation. Therefore, the scope and range of the present disclosure should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above. In addition, any combination of the above-described elements is included in the present disclosure with all possible variations, unless otherwise indicated or otherwise clearly denied by the context herein.

[0136] In addition, although the processes described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are shown as a sequence of steps, this is done for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, it is expected that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be rearranged, and some steps may be performed in parallel.

Claims

1. A method for managing user data traffic in a wireless network (100) comprising a wireless communication device (WCD) (101), the method being performed by the WCD (101) and include: receiving (204, 502) grant information AI indicating a threshold value for regulating uplink traffic representing at least one of the following conditions: a maximum number of small data transmissions or packets or messages per unit time, under which at least one condition the WCD is granted to transmit user data to a base station of a radio access network RAN; initiating (504) uplink UL transmission of user data via the wireless network; Based on the received AI, admission control for regulating the UL transmission of user data is performed (302, 506).

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: include: The WCD stores state information related to previously transmitted user data, wherein The step of performing admission control with respect to said UL transmission of user data comprises: The WCD uses the status information to determine whether the WCD can transmit the user data to the base station at this time; and In response to determining that the WCD cannot transmit the user data to the base station at this time, the WCD i) discards the user data, or ii) transmits the user data at a later point in time.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein The AI ​​includes information identifying a threshold value, The status information includes a data transfer value corresponding to at least one of: i) a number of wireless data transfers made by the WCD, ii) an amount of data wirelessly transferred by the WCD, or iii) a number of logical tokens within a logical bucket, using the status information to determine whether the WCD can transmit the user data to the base station via the wireless network at this time comprises comparing the data transmission value to the threshold, and The method further includes updating the data transfer value as a result of transferring the user data.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the data transfer value corresponds to: a number of packets wirelessly transmitted by the WCD or a number of small data messages wirelessly transmitted by the WCD.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising: include: At the later point in time, the WCD uses the status information to determine whether the WCD can transmit the user data to the base station via the wireless network at this time; as well as In response to determining that the WCD can transmit the user data via the wireless network, the WCD transmits the user data via the wireless network and the WCD increases the data transmission value.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein transmitting the user data via the wireless network comprises transmitting a control plane message including at least a portion of the user data.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: include: The WCD transmits an initial non-access stratum NAS message to a network node; as well as The WCD receives a NAS response message transmitted by a network node as a result of the network node processing the initial NAS message, wherein The NAS response message includes the AI, and The WCD obtains the AI ​​from the NAS response message, where The initial NAS message is one of an Attach Request message or a Tracking Area Update Request message, and The NAS response message is one of an Attach Accept message or a Tracking Area Update Accept message.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein transmitting the user data at a later point in time comprises one of the following actions: a) waiting for at least a certain amount of time, and then after said amount of time has elapsed, retrying to transmit said user data, b) wait at least until the data transfer value has been reset and then transmit the user data, or c) transmit the user data together with other user data previously buffered for uplink transmission using a data radio bearer DRB.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the WCD is a Cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) device.

10. A wireless communication device WCD (101) for managing user data services in a wireless network, the wireless network comprising the WCD, the WCD include: Data storage system DSS (1112); as well as A data processing system DPS (1102) is coupled to the data storage system, wherein The WCD is configured to: receiving (204, 502) and storing in the DSS grant information AI indicating a threshold value for regulating uplink traffic representing at least one of the following conditions: a maximum number of small data transmissions or packets or messages per unit time, under which at least one condition the WCD is granted to transmit user data to a base station of a radio access network RAN; as well as Based on the received AI, admission control for regulating uplink UL transmission of user data is performed (302, 506).

11. The WCD of claim 10, wherein the WCD is further configured to: storing state information related to previously transmitted user data in the DSS, wherein The WCD is configured to perform admission control with respect to the UL transmission of user data by: using the status information to determine whether the WCD can transmit the user data to the base station; and In response to determining that the WCD cannot transmit the user data to the base station, the user data is discarded or transmitted at a later point in time.

12. The WCD of claim 11, wherein The AI ​​includes information identifying a threshold value, The status information includes a data transfer value corresponding to at least one of: i) a number of wireless data transfers made by the WCD, ii) an amount of data wirelessly transferred by the WCD, or iii) a number of logical tokens within a logical bucket, using the status information to determine whether the WCD can transmit the user data to the base station via the wireless network comprises comparing the data transmission value to the threshold, and The WCD is further configured to update the data transfer value as a result of the WCD transferring the user data.

13. The WCD of claim 12, wherein the data transfer value corresponds to: a number of packets wirelessly transmitted by the WCD or a number of small data messages wirelessly transmitted by the WCD.

14. The WCD of claim 10, wherein the WCD is further configured to: employing a transmitter to transmit an initial non-access stratum (NAS) message to a network node; and receiving a NAS response message transmitted by the network node as a result of the network node processing the initial NAS message, wherein The NAS response message includes the AI, and The WCD obtains the AI ​​from the NAS response message, where The initial NAS message is one of an Attach Request message or a Tracking Area Update Request message, and The NAS response message is one of an Attach Accept message or a Tracking Area Update Accept message.

15. The WCD of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the user data is transmitted in a control plane message.

16. A method for managing user data traffic in a wireless network (100) comprising a core service node CSN (106), the method being performed by the CSN (106) and include: obtaining (202, 802) grant information AI, said AI indicating a threshold value representing at least one of the following conditions: a maximum number of small data transmissions or packets or messages per unit time, under which at least one condition the wireless communication device WCD (101) is granted to transmit or receive user data to or from a base station of a radio access network RAN; Storing the acquired AI; receiving user data transmitted by the WCD or transmitted by the base station to the WCD; as well as In response to receiving the user data, the CSN uses the AI ​​to perform admission control for governing the received user data.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the CSN storing status information related to previous user data transmissions to or from the WCD, wherein the step of performing admission control include: The CSN uses the status information to determine whether a traffic threshold has been exceeded; as well as, In response to determining that the service threshold has been exceeded, the CSNi ii) discards the received user data, or ii) transmits the user data to the intended recipient and generates a billing event for exceeding the threshold, or iii) transmits the user data to the intended recipient at a later point in time.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein The user data is transmitted from the WCD to the CSN, The AI ​​includes information identifying a threshold value corresponding to the traffic threshold, The status information includes a data transfer value corresponding to at least one of: i) a number of wireless data transfers made by the WCD, ii) an amount of data wirelessly transferred by the WCD, or iii) a number of logical tokens within a logical bucket, and Using the status information to determine whether the traffic threshold has been exceeded includes comparing the data transfer value to the threshold value.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the data transfer value corresponds to: a number of packets wirelessly transmitted by the WCD or a number of small data messages wirelessly transmitted by the WCD.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: include: The CSN receives second user data transmitted by the WCD via the RAN; In response to receiving the second user data, the CSN uses the status information to determine whether a traffic threshold has been exceeded; as well as In response to determining that the traffic threshold has not been exceeded, the CSN forwards the second user data to another node and increases the data delivery value.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving the user data comprises receiving a control plane message including at least a portion of the user data.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising: include: The CSN receives an initial non-access stratum NAS message transmitted by one of the WCDs; In response to the initial NAS message, the CSN transmits an AI request to a subscriber server; After transmitting the AI ​​request, the CSN receives the AI ​​from the subscriber server; After receiving the AI ​​from the subscriber server, the CSN stores the AI; as well as In response to the initial NAS message, the CSN transmits the AI ​​to the WCD as part of a NAS response to the initial NAS message.

23. The method of claim 16, further comprising: include: The CSN receives downlink user data addressed to the WCD; In response to receiving the downlink user data, the CSN uses status information to determine whether a traffic threshold has been exceeded; as well as In response to determining that the traffic threshold has been exceeded, the CSN either i) discards the received downlink user data or ii) transmits the downlink user data to the WCD and generates a charging event for exceeding the threshold.

24. A core service node CSN (106) for managing and controlling user data services, the CSN include: Network interface (1005); Data storage system DSS (1012); as well as a data processing system DPS (1002), coupled to the network interface and the DSS, wherein the CSN is configured to obtain grant information AI, the AI ​​indicating a threshold value representing at least one of the following conditions: a maximum number of small data transmissions or packets or messages per unit time, under which at least one condition the WCD is granted to transmit or receive user data to or from a base station of a radio access network RAN; Storing the acquired AI; receiving user data transmitted by the WCD or transmitted by the base station to the WCD; as well as In response to receiving the user data, admission control for regulating the received user data is performed using the AI.

25. The CSN of claim 24, wherein the CSN is further configured to store state information related to previous user data transmissions to or from the WCD, wherein the CSN performs the admission control by: using the status information to determine whether a traffic threshold has been exceeded; and In response to determining that the traffic threshold has been exceeded, i) the received user data is discarded, or ii) the user data is transmitted to the intended recipient and a billing event is generated for exceeding the threshold, or iii) the user data is transmitted to the intended recipient at a later point in time.

26. The CSN of claim 25, wherein The AI ​​includes information identifying a threshold value, The status information includes a data transfer value corresponding to at least one of: i) a number of wireless data transfers made by the WCD, ii) an amount of data wirelessly transferred by the WCD, or iii) a number of logical tokens within a logical bucket, and The CSN is configured to use the AI ​​and the status information to determine whether the traffic threshold has been exceeded by comparing the data transfer value to the threshold.

27. The CSN of claim 26, wherein the data transfer value corresponds to: a number of packets wirelessly transmitted by the WCD or a number of small data messages wirelessly transmitted by the WCD.

28. The CSN of claim 26, wherein the CSN is further operable to: receiving, via the RAN, second user data transmitted by the WCD; In response to receiving the second user data, determining whether a traffic threshold has been exceeded using the AI ​​and the status information; as well as In response to determining that the traffic threshold has not been exceeded, the second user data is forwarded to another node and the data transfer value is increased.

29. The CSN of claim 24, wherein the CSN is further operable to: receiving an initial non-access stratum NAS message transmitted by one of the WCDs; transmitting, in response to the initial NAS message, an AI request to a subscriber server; receiving the AI ​​from the subscriber server after transmitting the AI ​​request; storing the AI ​​after receiving the AI ​​from the subscriber server; and The AI ​​is transmitted to the WCD as part of a NAS response to the initial NAS message.

30. The CSN of claim 24, wherein the CSN is further operable to: receiving downlink user data addressed to the WCD; In response to receiving the downlink user data, using the AI ​​and status information to determine whether a traffic threshold has been exceeded; as well as In response to determining that the traffic threshold has been exceeded, either i) the received downlink user data is discarded, or ii) the downlink user data is transmitted to the WCD and a charging event is generated for exceeding the threshold.

31. A computer program product comprising computer readable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-9, 16-23.

32. A computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs the method according to any one of claims 1-9, 16-23.

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