CIoT Terminal Attach Procedure via NAS Messages

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Solution Overview

Problem

The connection method and data transmission procedures for CIoT terminals to 3GPP core networks are not clearly defined, lacking standardization, which hinders efficient communication and power management in IoT applications.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device and communication method that perform an attach procedure using NAS messages via a Mobility Management Entity (MME), with the MME receiving and sending ATTACH REQUEST and ATTACH COMPLETE messages to establish user data transport, supporting optimized transmission methods for CIoT terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a standard attach procedure is implemented for CIoT terminals, then network connectivity is established, but communication efficiency and power consumption optimization are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the attach procedure by changing the parameter of data transmission method to include NAS message-based transport. The terminal device indicates support for this optimized method in the ATTACH REQUEST message, and the network configures it accordingly in the ATTACH ACCEPT message, enabling more efficient communication with reduced power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the attach procedure to serve multiple functions: not only establishing network connectivity but also configuring optimized data transmission methods for CIoT terminals. The network capability information in the ATTACH ACCEPT message provides universal support for multiple transmission methods, allowing the system to adapt to different CIoT requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmission methods are supported for CIoT terminals, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission method adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission functionality by separating traditional data transport from control plane transport. The NAS message-based transport method divides user data transmission into control plane segments, allowing efficient transport without requiring full user plane establishment, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces network capability information as an intermediary mechanism in the attach procedure. This intermediary carries transmission method support indicators between the terminal device and network, enabling the system to negotiate and select appropriate transmission methods without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If CIoT-specific core network is implemented, then connectivity for large-scale terminals is improved, but network infrastructure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal connectivity scaleVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges CIoT-specific functionality with the existing LTE core network infrastructure. By integrating NAS message-based data transport into the standard EPC architecture using existing components like MME and SGW, the system achieves large-scale terminal connectivity without building a completely separate network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of transmission method support during the attach procedure. The network capability information is exchanged and configured in advance during attachment, allowing the network to prepare appropriate transmission methods before actual data transmission begins, thus handling large-scale terminals efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3376817B1Terminal device, MME, and communication method
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 SHARP KK
  • EP3376817B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3376817B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3376817B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

To provide a communication procedure such as an attach procedure suitable for a CIoT terminal. A method includes: a step of receiving an ATTACH ACCEPT message from a core network; a step of transmitting user data by using a radio bearer for transmitting and/or receiving a control message in a case that the ATTACH ACCEPT message does not include first identification information; and a step of establishing a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection and/or a radio bearer for user data transmission and/or reception and transmitting user data by using the Packet Data Network (PDN) connection and/or the radio bearer for user data transmission and/or reception, in a case that the ATTACH ACCEPT message includes the first identification information.