Control Plane Node Routing User Plane Traffic Over Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks are inefficient for infrequent small data transmissions, as they require extensive signaling and permanent resource allocation, which is wasteful for devices like M2M or MTC that send sporadic and short packets, leading to increased overhead and resource locking.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a 'Data over Control Plane' (DOCP) service, where control plane nodes route user plane IP traffic over control plane signaling channels without establishing dedicated user plane bearers, using a Data over Control Plane Gateway function, allowing IP traffic to be carried over signaling links between the UE and the Core network, thereby avoiding the need for PDN connections and reducing unnecessary resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional user plane bearer establishment is used for small data transmissions, then reliable data delivery is ensured, but extensive signaling and permanent resource allocation are required which increases overhead and locks resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges user plane data transmission with control plane signaling by allowing IP packets to be carried over the control plane interface (S1-MME) instead of requiring a separate user plane bearer. This combines two previously separate functions (control plane signaling and user plane data transport) into a single pathway, eliminating the need for dedicated user plane bearers for small data transmissions from M2M devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane interface is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional NAS signaling messages and user plane IP packets. The MME node is enhanced to perform both control plane functions and user plane data routing, making the control plane infrastructure universal for both signaling and data transport purposes.
2Reliability
If traditional user plane bearer establishment is used for small data transmissions, then data delivery is ensured, but permanent resource allocation is required which wastes network resources for infrequent transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation where network resources are allocated on-demand based on actual data transmission needs rather than permanently. The control plane node dynamically establishes IP tunnels and allocates resources only when M2M devices need to transmit data, and these resources are released when transmissions complete, making resource allocation adaptive to actual usage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of resource allocation from permanent/static to temporary/dynamic. Instead of establishing permanent user plane bearers that remain active regardless of transmission activity, the system creates temporary IP tunnels over the control plane that are established and terminated based on actual data transmission requirements, optimizing resource utilization.
3Productivity
If traditional PDN connection establishment is used, then user plane data transmission is supported, but extensive signaling and resource allocation are required which is inefficient for sporadic small packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user plane data transmission function from the traditional PDN connection/user plane bearer framework and places it within the control plane signaling infrastructure. By taking out data transmission from the user plane path and routing it through the control plane node (MME), the system eliminates the need for complex PDN connection establishment procedures while still enabling data delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, there is provided an architecture for the support of user plane transactions over a mobile network between an User Equipment UE and an IP network, said mobile network comprising at least one node, referred to as control plane node, supporting control plane transactions between said UE and said mobile network over control plane bearer, said architecture comprising: said UE and said control plane node adapted to support user plane transactions over said mobile network between said UE and said control plane node, over control plane bearer, said control plane node adapted to support user plane transactions over said mobile network between said control plane node and said IP network without need of user plane bearer in said mobile network, said control plane node interfacing, with or without IP tunnelling, with a gateway function interfacing with said IP network.