Access Network Entity Location Area Update Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication systems, existing methods for updating the location area of User Equipment (UE) fail to efficiently manage the transition between Tracking Areas (TA) and Radio Access Network (RAN) Notification Areas (RNA), leading to inefficiencies in tracking and signaling overheads, especially with the introduction of new mobility states like the RRC inactive connected state.
Innovation Solution
A method for updating the location area of UE, involving an access network entity that receives a location-area updating request from the UE, determines if the Tracking Area Identity (TAI) list needs updating, and accordingly transmits updated RNA information and/or TAI lists to the UE, coordinating updates between the access network and Core Network entities to maintain accurate location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate update procedures are used for TA and RNA, then location tracking can be maintained, but signaling overhead increases and update efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the Tracking Area update procedure and RAN Notification Area update procedure into a single integrated update message. When a UE moves between TAs or RNAs, it sends one unified location update request that contains both TAI and RNA information, allowing the network to update both location areas simultaneously through a single signaling exchange, thereby reducing redundant signaling overhead while maintaining reliable location tracking.
2Reliability
If the access network entity manages RNA updates independently, then RAN-level location tracking is improved, but coordination with CN-level TA updates becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The access network entity is designed to handle both CN-level Tracking Area updates and RAN-level RNA updates through a universal update processing mechanism. The entity receives a single location update request containing both TAI and RNA information, processes both updates through unified logic, and manages the coordination between CN and RAN location areas, thereby improving RAN location tracking while avoiding complex separate coordination procedures.
3Measurement precision
If separate TAU and RNA update procedures are implemented, then location accuracy is maintained, but update efficiency and network performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Tracking Area update and RAN Notification Area update into a single integrated procedure. The UE includes both TAI and RNA information in one update request, and the network processes both updates simultaneously, maintaining precise location accuracy at both CN and RAN levels while significantly improving update efficiency and overall network performance by eliminating redundant signaling.
Data Source
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AI summary
A UE location area update method, an access network entity, a UE, and a core network entity are provided. The method includes: receiving, by an access network entity, a location-area updating request message transmitted by the UE; and transmitting a location-area updating message to the UE by the access network entity, wherein the location-area updating message at least includes target RNA information, the target RNA information is RNA information updated for the UE by the access network entity according to the location-area updating request message.