A method for improving effectiveness of mobile network assisted data broadcast

Abstract

The application discloses a method for improving the effectiveness of mobile network auxiliary data broadcast, and establishes and maintains a network auxiliary data information table containing the number of users requesting auxiliary information in AMF / MME; and determines whether to send auxiliary data to RAN nodes according to the number of users requesting auxiliary information. The application has the advantages that by creating and maintaining the UE identification, the UE's auxiliary data key identification, the RAN identification, and the number of users requesting auxiliary information of the RAN in AMF / MME, the value of the number of users requesting auxiliary information corresponding to each RAN node is determined to determine whether AMF / MME needs to broadcast network auxiliary data to RAN nodes, so that only when the UE needing network auxiliary data registers to the mobile network, AMF / MME will send network auxiliary data to RAN nodes, thereby avoiding the waste of AMF / MME and RAN resources in the broadcast mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication, and in particular to a method for improving the effectiveness of mobile network-assisted data broadcasting. Background Technology

[0002] 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) aims to ensure backward compatibility of future technologies, supporting easy network deployment and roaming and compatibility between systems. Currently, the third version of the global 5G standard—3GPP R17—has completed its third phase of functional freeze. The A-GNSS (including RTK differential data) positioning assistance information broadcasting process defined in 3GPP is roughly as follows: 1) General Auxiliary Information Broadcast Procedure: The LMF / E-SMLC sends auxiliary information and a list of base stations to the AMF / MME; the AMF / MME sends the auxiliary information to the corresponding base stations in the list via N2 / S1-C messages. The base stations then broadcast the location auxiliary information to the UE via system messages.

[0003] 2) In the case of encrypted auxiliary information, the LMF / E-SMLC sends the key for encrypting the broadcast auxiliary information to the AMF / MME. This key is associated with a specific TA and specific auxiliary information. The AMF / MME stores the key and associated information. The UE initiates the registration / attach procedure with an instruction to obtain the encryption key. In the registration response message, the AMF / MME sends the applicable auxiliary information encryption key from the TA to the UE. After receiving the key, the UE begins to use the key to decrypt the broadcast auxiliary information.

[0004] According to the location assistance information broadcasting procedure defined in 3GPP, in practical applications, the AMF / MME sends location assistance data to the RAN nodes (Radio Access Network) based on the list provided by the LMF / E-SMLC, and the RAN nodes then broadcast it. However, in a carrier's 5G network, an AMF / MME covers tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of RAN nodes. If there are no UEs requiring network assistance data within the coverage area of ​​some of these RAN nodes, indiscriminate broadcasting will result in an ineffective waste of AMF / MME and RAN resources. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for improving the effectiveness of mobile network assisted data broadcasting.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention provides a method for improving the effectiveness of mobile network auxiliary data broadcasting, which involves establishing and maintaining a network auxiliary data information table containing the number of users requesting auxiliary information in the AMF / MME; and determining whether to send auxiliary data to the RAN node based on the number of users requesting auxiliary information.

[0007] Furthermore, if the value of the number of users requesting assistance information is greater than 0, then assistance data needs to be sent to the RAN node.

[0008] Furthermore, the maintenance network auxiliary data information table includes establishing a UE information table, recording the UE identifier, the request auxiliary information key flag, and the RAN identifier, and associating the RAN identifier with the RAN auxiliary data broadcast information table; If the request assistance information key flag of the newly added record in the UE information table is true, or the request assistance information key flag of the original record changes from false to true, then according to the RAN identifier corresponding to the newly added record or the original record, the value of the number of request assistance information users corresponding to the RAN identifier in the network auxiliary data information table is incremented by 1; If the key flag for request assistance information in the original record of the UE information table changes from true to false, then based on the RAN identifier corresponding to the original record, the value of the number of users requesting assistance information corresponding to the RAN identifier in the network auxiliary data information table is reduced by 1. If the RAN identifier corresponding to the UE identifier in the original record of the UE information table changes, then the value of the number of users requesting assistance information corresponding to the RAN identifier before the change in the network auxiliary data information table will be reduced by 1, and the value of the number of users requesting assistance information corresponding to the RAN identifier after the change will be increased by 1.

[0009] Furthermore, if the request for auxiliary information key flag is true, it indicates that the UE requests to obtain the auxiliary information encryption key; if the request for auxiliary information key flag is false, it indicates that the UE does not request to obtain the auxiliary information encryption key.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes an auxiliary data information table, which is associated with the network auxiliary data information table through an auxiliary data index to determine the auxiliary data required by the RAN node.

[0011] The advantage of this invention is that by creating and maintaining the UE identifier, the UE's request assistance data key identifier, the RAN identifier, and the number of RAN request assistance information users in the AMF / MME, and determining whether the AMF / MME needs to broadcast network assistance data to the RAN node based on the value of the number of request assistance information users corresponding to each RAN node, the AMF / MME will only send network assistance data to the RAN node in a targeted manner when a UE that needs network assistance data registers to the mobile network, thus avoiding the waste of AMF / MME and RAN resources by the broadcast method. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the auxiliary data broadcasting process using the method of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the auxiliary information key distribution process using the method of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the UE registration (attachment) process using the method of this invention.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the UE handover process using the method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] To address the issue of indiscriminate broadcasting of positioning assistance information to RAN nodes in 3GPP, which leads to ineffective waste of AMF / MME and RAN resources, this invention provides a method to improve the effectiveness of mobile network assistance data broadcasting. This method involves establishing a network assistance data information table in the AMF / MME containing the number of users requesting assistance information; the AMF / MME then determines whether to send assistance data to the RAN node based on the number of users requesting assistance information in the network assistance data information table.

[0018] When the number of users requesting assistance information is greater than 0, the AMF / MME needs to send network assistance data to the RAN node corresponding to that number of users. When the number of users requesting assistance information is equal to 0, the AMF / MME does not need to send network assistance data to the RAN node corresponding to that number of users. This solves the problem of the AMF / MME indiscriminately sending network assistance data to RAN nodes within its coverage area, which would otherwise lead to an ineffective waste of AMF / MME and RAN resources.

[0019] Simultaneously, the AMF / MME also needs to maintain a network auxiliary data information table based on network conditions. Specifically, the AMF / MME also establishes a UE information table, which records data such as the UE identifier, request auxiliary information key flag, and RAN identifier. The UE information table and the network auxiliary data information table are linked together through the RAN identifier.

[0020] When a UE initiates a registration (attach) request process, it must carry its UE identifier, request auxiliary information key flag, RAN node identifier, and other relevant information. When the UE's request reaches the AMF / MME, the AMF / MME first authenticates the request. If authentication is successful, the AMF / MME adds a new record to the UE information table, storing the UE identifier, request auxiliary information key flag, RAN identifier, and other relevant information from the UE request. Then, it determines the status of the request auxiliary information key flag in the record. If the request auxiliary information key flag is true, it indicates that the UE requested to obtain the auxiliary information encryption key; if the request auxiliary information key flag is false, it indicates that the UE did not request to obtain the auxiliary information encryption key.

[0021] If the request assistance key flag in the record is determined to be true, then based on the RAN identifier recorded in the new record, the number of users requesting assistance corresponding to that RAN identifier is found in the Network Assistance Data Information Table, and the value of that number of users requesting assistance is incremented by 1. If the request assistance key flag in the record is determined to be false, then there is no need to adjust the data in the Network Assistance Data Information Table.

[0022] When the number of users requesting auxiliary information corresponding to the RAN identifier in the Network Auxiliary Data Information Table increases and becomes non-zero, it indicates that the AMF / MME needs to send auxiliary data to that RAN node. Simultaneously, based on the RAN identifier associated with the Network Auxiliary Data Information Table and the UE Information Table, the specific RAN node requiring the transmission of auxiliary information can be determined.

[0023] Under certain circumstances, if a UE changes the state of its Request for Assistance (RFA) key flag, the state of the RFA key flag corresponding to that UE identifier in the UE information table will also change accordingly. If the original state was false and the changed state is true, that is, the RFA key flag of the original record changes from false to true, then the value of the number of RFA users corresponding to the RAN identifier in the Network Assistance Data Information Table is incremented by 1 according to the RAN identifier corresponding to the original record.

[0024] When the original state is true and the changed state is false, that is, the key flag for requesting assistance information in the original record changes from true to false, then the value of the number of users requesting assistance information corresponding to the RAN flag in the network auxiliary data information table is reduced by 1 according to the RAN flag corresponding to the original record.

[0025] When a UE initiates a deregistration (attach) request, the AMF / MME first authenticates the request. Once authentication is successful, the AMF / MME deletes the record corresponding to the UE identifier from the UE information table. Simultaneously, it checks the status of the request assistance information key flag in that record. If the flag is true, it decrements the number of users requesting assistance information corresponding to the RAN identifier in the Network Assisted Data Information Table by 1, based on the RAN identifier corresponding to that record.

[0026] In some cases, the UE does not change the state of its Request for Assistance Information Key flag, but instead switches from the original RAN node to a new RAN node. In this situation, the AMF / MME will update the RAN identifier of the record corresponding to the UE identifier in the UE information table according to the UE's request. Simultaneously, it will check the state of the Request for Assistance Information Key flag in that record. If the state of the Request for Assistance Information Key flag in that record is true, it will decrement the value of the number of users requesting assistance information corresponding to the RAN identifier before the change in the Network Assistance Data Information Table by 1, and increment the value of the number of users requesting assistance information corresponding to the RAN identifier after the change by 1.

[0027] In the specific implementation process, such as Figure 1 As shown, the auxiliary data broadcasting process using the method of the present invention is as follows: 1. The LMF / E-SMLC sends network auxiliary data and a list of RAN identifier IDs to the AMF / MME.

[0028] 2. The AMF / MME maintains and updates the network auxiliary data information table and the auxiliary data information table. The auxiliary data information table includes an auxiliary data index and auxiliary data. The auxiliary data information table is associated with the network auxiliary data information table through the auxiliary data index, thereby determining the network auxiliary data required by the RAN node.

[0029] 3. When broadcasting auxiliary data, the AMF / MME determines whether the number of users requesting auxiliary information corresponding to each RAN node in its coverage area is greater than 0 in the network auxiliary data information table. If the number of users requesting auxiliary information corresponding to the RAN node is greater than 0, the AMF / MME will send the network auxiliary data to that node.

[0030] 4. RAN nodes receive and broadcast network auxiliary data.

[0031] 5. If network auxiliary data broadcasting fails, the RAN node sends feedback information.

[0032] 6. The AMF / MME will send the feedback information to the LMF / E-SMLC.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the auxiliary information key issuance process using the method of the present invention is as follows: 1. The LMF / E-SMLC sends the key for encrypting broadcast network auxiliary data to the AMF / MME.

[0034] 2. The AMF / MME storage includes encryption keys for the validity period, applicable tracking area, and applicable broadcast network auxiliary data types.

[0035] 3. The UE initiates a registration (attach) request process.

[0036] 5. The RAN node sends the UE's registration request to the AMF / MME. The UE carries the request assistance information key flag in the registration (attach) request message.

[0037] 6. The AMF / MME performs the normal authentication process for the UE. After successful authentication, the AMF / MME adds or updates records in the UE information table it creates and maintains, focusing on adding or updating the UE identifier, request assistance information key flag, RAN identifier, etc. At the same time, the AMF / MME maintains the number of request assistance information users corresponding to the RAN identifier in the Network Assistance Data Information Table according to the request assistance information key flag in the request.

[0038] 7. If the number of users requesting auxiliary information corresponding to the RAN identifier in the network auxiliary data information table changes from 0 to 1 after updating the number of users requesting auxiliary information, then the AMF / MME will send the network auxiliary data to the RAN node via the N2 / S1-C message.

[0039] 8. The RAN node broadcasts network auxiliary data, and the UE receives the network auxiliary data.

[0040] 9. When the AMF / MME responds to the UE's registration (attachment) request, if the request assistance information key flag carried by the UE in the request is true, the AMF / MME sends the encryption key of the applicable network assistance information in the TA to the UE.

[0041] 10. The RAN node forwards the registration (attach) response message to the UE. After receiving the key, the UE begins to use the key to decrypt the broadcast network auxiliary information. 11. When the key expires, the AMF / MME deletes the key.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the UE deregistration (attachment) process using the method of this invention is as follows: 1. The UE or UDM / HSS initiates a deregistration (attachment) request to the AMF / MME.

[0043] 2. Upon receiving a request, the AMF / MME checks if the request assistance information key flag corresponding to the UE in the UE information table is true. If so, the AMF / MME will maintain the network auxiliary data information table. It will decrement the request assistance information user value corresponding to the RAN identifier of the UE identifier by 1. Then, the AMF / MME will delete the record entry for that UE in the UE information table.

[0044] 3. The AMF / MME performs the normal deregistration (attachment) process on the UE.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the UE handover process using the method of this invention is as follows: 1. The UE needs to send a path switching request to the target RAN node to which it needs to switch to the AMF / MME.

[0046] 2. Upon receiving the request, the AMF / MME checks the status of the request assistance information key flag corresponding to the UE in the UE information table. If the request assistance information key flag for the UE is true, the AMF / MME maintains the network auxiliary data information table. It decrements the request assistance information user value corresponding to the RAN identifier of the original RAN node corresponding to the UE by 1, and simultaneously increments the request assistance information user value corresponding to the target RAN node by 1. Then, the AMF / MME updates the RAN identifier of the RAN node corresponding to the UE in the UE information table to the RAN identifier of the target RAN node.

[0047] 3. The AMF / MME performs a normal handover procedure for the UE.

[0048] 4. After a successful handover, if the value of the request assistance information user corresponding to the target RAN node changes from 0 to 1, the AMF / MME will send the network assistance information to the RAN node via the N2 / S1-C message.

[0049] 5. The target RAN node broadcasts network auxiliary data. The UE receives the network auxiliary data.

Claims

1. A method for improving the effectiveness of mobile network assisted data broadcasting, characterized in that: A network auxiliary data information table containing the number of users requesting auxiliary information is established and maintained in the AMF / MME; whether to send auxiliary data to the RAN node is determined based on the number of users requesting auxiliary information; when the value of the number of users requesting auxiliary information is greater than 0, the AMF / MME needs to send network auxiliary data to the RAN node corresponding to the number of users requesting auxiliary information; when the value of the number of users requesting auxiliary information is equal to 0, the AMF / MME does not need to send network auxiliary data to the RAN node corresponding to the number of users requesting auxiliary information. Maintaining the network auxiliary data information table includes establishing a UE information table, recording the UE identifier, the request auxiliary information key flag, and the RAN identifier. The UE information table is associated with the network auxiliary data information table through the RAN identifier. When a UE initiates a registration request process, it must carry the UE identifier, the request for auxiliary information key flag, and the RAN identifier of its RAN node. When the UE's request reaches the AMF / MME, the AMF / MME first authenticates the request. If the authentication is successful, the AMF / MME will add a new record to the UE information table, storing the UE identifier, the request for auxiliary information key flag, and the RAN identifier from the UE request. Then, it will determine the status of the request for auxiliary information key flag in the record. If the request for auxiliary information key flag is true, it means that the UE is requesting to obtain the auxiliary information encryption key; if the request for auxiliary information key flag is false, it means that the UE has not requested to obtain the auxiliary information encryption key. If the request assistance information key flag of the newly added record in the UE information table is true, or the request assistance information key flag of the original record changes from false to true, then according to the RAN identifier corresponding to the newly added record or the original record, the value of the number of request assistance information users corresponding to the RAN identifier in the network auxiliary data information table is incremented by 1; If the request assistance information key flag of the original record in the UE information table changes from true to false, or the request assistance information key flag of the record to be deleted is true, then according to the RAN identifier corresponding to the original record or the record to be deleted, the value of the number of request assistance information users corresponding to the RAN identifier in the network auxiliary data information table is reduced by 1; If the RAN identifier corresponding to the UE identifier in the original record of the UE information table changes, then the value of the number of users requesting assistance information corresponding to the RAN identifier before the change in the network auxiliary data information table will be reduced by 1, and the value of the number of users requesting assistance information corresponding to the RAN identifier after the change will be increased by 1.

2. The method for improving the effectiveness of mobile network assisted data broadcasting according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an auxiliary data information table, which is associated with the network auxiliary data information table through an auxiliary data index to determine the auxiliary data required by the RAN node.

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