Adaptive Paging Mode Selection for LTE Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE wireless communication networks, existing paging procedures are inadequate for providing extended coverage, leading to situations where UEs can only obtain coverage in enhanced coverage mode and cannot be reached by normal paging procedures, resulting in increased network resource overhead and lack of rules for UEs to determine where to look for paging messages in networks supporting extended coverage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that selectively uses either normal mode paging or extended coverage mode paging, or both, based on the expected UE need for coverage extension, with the network determining when extended coverage paging is needed and the UE monitoring for both modes according to defined rules, including the use of a new information element in messages from the Mobility Management Entity (MME) to the eNB to indicate the paging mode and the UE's capability to support extended coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extended coverage mode paging is always used, then UEs in enhanced coverage mode can be reached, but network resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the paging mode parameter dynamically based on UE coverage capability. UEs indicate their coverage mode capability to the network, and the network adapts its paging strategy accordingly - using normal paging for UEs in normal coverage mode and extended coverage paging for UEs in enhanced coverage mode, thereby avoiding unnecessary resource overhead while ensuring reachability
Solution Approach 2:
The paging mechanism transitions from a static always-extended-coverage approach to a dynamic adaptive approach. The network determines the appropriate paging mode based on real-time UE capability information, allowing the system to optimize resource usage according to actual coverage conditions
2Loss of energy
If normal paging mode is used, then network resource overhead is reduced, but UEs in enhanced coverage mode cannot be reached
Solution Approach 1:
The system modifies the paging mode parameter based on UE coverage capability feedback. When UEs indicate they operate in enhanced coverage mode, the network switches to extended coverage paging for those specific UEs, ensuring reliable delivery without forcing all UEs to use the resource-intensive extended mode
3Adaptability or versatility
If both paging modes are always transmitted, then all UEs can be reached regardless of coverage mode, but resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different paging qualities to different UE groups based on their coverage capabilities. Normal paging is used for UEs in normal coverage mode, while extended coverage paging is used for UEs in enhanced coverage mode. This localized adaptation ensures compatibility for all UEs while minimizing overall resource overhead
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supporting paging of user terminals by a base station that supports first and second paging modes, the second paging mode providing extended coverage relative to the first paging mode and using more resources than the first paging mode is provided. The method includes determining that the second paging mode is needed for a user terminal, and then initiating paging of the user terminal according to the second paging mode, in response to the determining. In some embodiments, the node is a mobility management node, and initiating paging of the user terminal includes sending, to the base station, a message ordering the base station to page the user terminal according to the second paging mode. In other embodiments, the node is the base station, and initiating paging includes transmitting one or more paging messages using a message format corresponding to the second paging mode.