Access Network Device Paging Area Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G systems, there is a need for an efficient method for the Radio Access Network (RAN) to initiate paging to a terminal device within a suitable paging area, reducing signaling overhead and ensuring effective communication when downlink data is available.

Innovation Solution

The method involves an access network device obtaining a tracking area list of a terminal device, determining a target paging area, and initiating paging within that area when the terminal is in an RRC inactive state, with the option to request or receive the tracking area list from the core network, and sending information to the terminal to reconfigure the paging area if it moves out of the target area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the RAN initiates paging to the terminal without using a tracking area list, then the paging can be performed quickly, but the signaling overhead increases and the paging area cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device pre-obtains and stores a tracking area list before paging is needed. When the RAN needs to page the terminal, it retrieves the pre-stored tracking area list to determine the paging area, avoiding the need for real-time signaling exchange and reducing signaling overhead while maintaining efficient paging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking area list serves as an intermediary data structure that bridges the terminal device and the RAN. It contains pre-configured tracking area information that enables the RAN to determine the appropriate paging area without direct real-time communication with the core network, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the RAN uses the tracking area list to determine the paging area, then the signaling overhead is reduced, but the RAN needs to obtain and manage the tracking area list information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidRAN management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device maintains and manages its own tracking area list locally. When the RAN needs paging information, the terminal provides its stored tracking area list to the RAN. This self-service approach allows the terminal to manage the complexity of tracking area information while enabling the RAN to perform efficient paging with reduced signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal moves out of the target paging area, then the terminal can access new areas, but the paging area needs to be reconfigured requiring network interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal mobilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device monitors its own location and determines when it has moved out of the target paging area. Upon detecting such movement, the terminal actively triggers a reconfiguration of the paging area by interacting with the network. This feedback mechanism ensures that the paging area remains accurate for efficient paging while allowing the terminal to move freely within the network coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3661278B1Methods for paging, access network device, and core network device
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3661278B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3661278B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3661278B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

Disclosed are a method for paging, and an access network device, a terminal device and a core network device. The method comprises: a first access network device acquiring a tracking area list of a terminal device; and the first access network device determining, according to the tracking area list, a target paging area of the first access network device initiating paging to the terminal device. The method, and the access network device, the terminal device and the core network device in the embodiments of the present application are beneficial to the reasonable configuration of a paging area by means of the access network device, thereby reducing the signaling overhead.