Context-Retention Controller for Wireless Network Re-Entry Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices in wireless access networks, such as WiMAX and 3GPP LTE, face lengthy network re-entry times and high power consumption, necessitating efficient power management and reduced resource allocation to maintain always-on connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a context-retention controller that assigns a context identifier to mobile devices, allowing for context retention and rapid re-entry into the network upon disconnection, reducing the need for full network re-entry processes and optimizing power management through context retention modes like DCR in WiMAX and DRX in LTE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile devices perform full network re-entry process after disconnection, then network resources are properly allocated and services are established, but network re-entry time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller performs preliminary actions by retaining context information (device parameters, authentication data, resource allocations) in a database before the mobile device disconnects. When the device reconnects, this pre-retained context is rapidly retrieved and applied, eliminating the need to re-establish these parameters from scratch. This preliminary retention of operational state resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability of resource allocation while dramatically reducing re-entry time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the mobile device's network context (including device parameters, authentication information, and resource allocations) and stores it in the network controller's database. This contextual copy allows the network to rapidly restore the device's operational state without re-running the complete network entry protocol, thus reducing re-entry time while maintaining proper resource allocation through the copied context data.
2Reliability
If mobile devices remain connected to network continuously, then connectivity is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous connection, the system implements periodic reconnection cycles where mobile devices can disconnect and enter power-saving modes. The network controller retains contextual information during these periodic disconnections, allowing devices to rapidly rejoin the network when needed. This periodic disconnection-reconnection pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining effective connectivity through the retention of contextual state information.
3Use of energy by moving object
If mobile devices disconnect from network for power conservation, then power consumption decreases, but network re-entry time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Before mobile devices disconnect for power conservation, the network controller performs preliminary actions by capturing and retaining the device's contextual information (device parameters, authentication data, active services, resource allocations) in its database. This preliminary retention ensures that when the device reconnects after power-saving mode, the network can rapidly restore the connection using the pre-retained context, thus reducing re-entry time while allowing power conservation during disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller creates and stores a copy of the mobile device's operational context in its database before the device disconnects for power conservation. This contextual copy includes device parameters, authentication information, and resource allocation data. When the device reconnects, this copied context is rapidly retrieved and applied, enabling fast re-entry while the device enjoys reduced power consumption during the disconnection period.
4Loss of time
If network retains context information for all devices, then re-entry time is reduced, but network resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly retaining context for all devices, the system applies context retention selectively based on local conditions - specifically, only retaining context for devices that disconnect or experience radio link failures. The network controller determines which devices qualify for context retention based on their disconnection status and network state. This localized application of context retention reduces overall network resource usage while still providing fast re-entry benefits to the specific devices that need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the context retention parameter based on device state and network conditions. Context retention is activated or deactivated depending on whether a device disconnects or experiences radio link failure. This parameter change approach ensures that network resources are allocated for context retention only when necessary, reducing overall resource usage while maintaining fast re-entry capability for devices that actually disconnect and need rapid reconnection.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a context-retention controller and method for retaining context in a wireless access network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the context-retention controller may assign a context identifier to a mobile device at network entry for context retention. A disconnection and context-retention request may be received from a base station to trigger entry of the mobile station into a context-retention mode. The base station may generate the disconnection and context-retention request upon an indication of a disconnection of the mobile device from the wireless access network. The context-retention controller may maintain context for the mobile device in a context-retention database after disconnection of the mobile device from the wireless access network.