Core Network Assistance for RAN Parameter Optimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile communication networks face challenges in managing increased control plane signaling and user equipment power consumption due to frequent small data transmissions and state transitions, particularly in Machine Type Communication and other mobile data applications, leading to higher network load and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The Core Network provides assistance information based on learned traffic and mobility patterns to the Radio Access Network, allowing it to adjust parameters such as the RRC inactivity timer and DRX cycle, thereby controlling transitions between idle and connected states and optimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the UE frequently transitions between idle and connected state to support small data transmissions, then the responsiveness to data traffic is improved, but the control plane signaling load and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness to data trafficVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The Core Network performs preliminary learning of traffic patterns and mobility patterns during normal operation, storing this information for future use. When the UE enters idle state, the CN already has pre-analyzed information about the UE's behavior characteristics, enabling rapid optimization of RAN parameters without requiring real-time analysis that would increase signaling load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces CN assistance information as an intermediary mechanism that carries learned traffic and mobility pattern data from the Core Network to the Radio Access Network. This intermediary structure allows the RAN to optimize parameters like inactivity timers and DRX cycles based on pre-analyzed UE behavior, reducing the need for frequent state transitions while maintaining responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the UE frequently transitions between idle and connected state to support small data transmissions, then the responsiveness to data traffic is improved, but the control plane signaling load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness to data trafficVSAvoidcontrol plane signaling load

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The Core Network performs preliminary learning of traffic patterns and mobility patterns during normal operation, storing this information for future use. When the UE enters idle state, the CN already has pre-analyzed information about the UE's behavior characteristics, enabling rapid optimization of RAN parameters without requiring real-time analysis that would increase signaling load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces CN assistance information as an intermediary mechanism that carries learned traffic and mobility pattern data from the Core Network to the Radio Access Network. This intermediary structure allows the RAN to optimize parameters like inactivity timers and DRX cycles based on pre-analyzed UE behavior, reducing the need for frequent state transitions while maintaining responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If RAN parameters are adjusted to reduce idle-connected state transitions, then the power consumption is reduced, but the responsiveness to data traffic may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresponsiveness to data traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes RAN parameters (inactivity timers, DRX cycles) based on learned UE behavior patterns. For UEs with predictable traffic patterns, longer inactivity timers and extended DRX cycles are configured to reduce power consumption. For UEs with unpredictable or bursty traffic, the parameters are adjusted to maintain shorter transition times, thus preserving responsiveness while optimizing power usage for each UE's specific behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10681636B2Optimization of network signaling load and/or of user equipment power consumption in a packet mobile system

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

In an embodiment, there is provided a method for optimization of network signalling load and/or User Equipment power consumption in a packet mobile system wherein an User Equipment UE has access to a network comprising a Core Network CN accessed by a Radio Access Network RAN, a method wherein CN assistance information is provided by said CN to said RAN for an UE, said CN assistance information including information determined in said CN based on a learning by said CN of a traffic pattern and/or a mobility pattern of said UE, and said CN assistance information is used in said RAN to adjust RAN parameters enabling to control transitions between idle and connected state and/or power consumption in connected state for said UE.