Core Network Context Retention for Location Update Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3G dual-mode terminals frequently perform location updates between 2G and 3G networks, leading to network element overload in the core network due to frequent access to network elements like HSS or HLR, causing ineffective paging and increased load.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a timer is sent or saved by a second core network device to a first core network device when a UE leaves its coverage, allowing the first core network device to determine if context information is available upon re-entry, thereby reducing the need for subscription data transmission and minimizing network load by executing location updates using saved context information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal frequently performs location update between 2G and 3G networks, then the terminal can maintain connectivity and switch between networks seamlessly, but the network elements of the core network (HSS/HLR) become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the core network device send a timer to the first core network device when the UE leaves its coverage. This timer is started in advance, and before the timer expires, the first core network device retains the UE's context information. When the UE re-enters the coverage, the location update can be quickly processed using the retained context information, avoiding the need to fetch data from the second core network device again. This preliminary retention of context information reduces the load on network elements while maintaining seamless network switching capability.
2Productivity
If the first core network device retains context information for a longer period, then location update processing is faster when UE re-enters coverage, but more memory resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a dynamic timer mechanism that controls the retention period of UE context information. The timer value can be adjusted based on network conditions and UE behavior patterns. This allows the system to optimize the balance between processing speed and memory consumption by changing the retention time parameter - keeping context information just long enough to enable fast location updates without unnecessarily consuming memory resources for extended periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a location update processing method and device, and the method includes: when a UE enters a first core network device and performs location update, determining, by the first core network device and at least according to that a timer does not time out, that context information of the UE is available, and sending, by the first core network device, to a second core network device, a location update request that includes information that the context information of the UE is available (101); and executing, by the first core network device, location update at least according to saved context information of the UE (102), where, the timer is sent to the first core network device by the second core network device before the UE enters the first core network device and when the UE leaves the first core network device and performs location update; or the timer is saved in the first core network device in advance. The embodiments of the present invention may reduce the amount of data sent by the second core network device, and reduce load of the second core network device.