Core Network Node Selection for Cost Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large-scale mobile communication networks, the need for all core network nodes to have comprehensive service providing functions leads to high costs and inefficiencies, particularly in providing services like MBMS and MTC, where only a small number of terminals are compatible, resulting in unnecessary equipment expenses.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where core network nodes are selectively assigned based on the service characteristics and terminal types, allowing for a combination of optimized nodes with specific service functions and those without, reducing overall equipment costs by minimizing the number of expensive nodes required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all core network nodes are equipped with comprehensive service providing functions, then service continuity for terminals is ensured, but equipment cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the core network into multiple types of nodes based on service functions. Some nodes are equipped with specific service providing functions (e.g., MBMS, MTC) while others are not, creating a heterogeneous network architecture that reduces overall equipment cost while maintaining service continuity through proper node selection and coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal node selection mechanism that can handle multiple service types. The node selection apparatus determines the appropriate node type based on the terminal's service requirements, allowing the network to provide multiple services through a flexible combination of specialized nodes rather than requiring all nodes to support all services

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If all core network nodes have high functionality and high performance, then service provision capability is improved, but equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provision capabilityVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by equipping specific core network nodes with specific service providing functions based on local network requirements and service demand. Instead of uniformly high functionality across all nodes, each node is configured with the appropriate level and type of functionality needed for its designated role, reducing overall equipment cost while maintaining service provision capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic node selection capability where the network can flexibly choose appropriate nodes based on service characteristics and terminal types. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to provision services efficiently without requiring all nodes to have maximum functionality, balancing adaptability with cost efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a small number of expensive core network nodes with specific service functions are deployed, then overall equipment cost is reduced, but service continuity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment costVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a node selection apparatus as an intermediary that coordinates between terminals and specialized core network nodes. This intermediary ensures that terminals are correctly directed to appropriate nodes with the required service functions, maintaining service continuity even when not all nodes have all functions. The selection apparatus acts as a mediator that manages the heterogeneous node architecture to ensure reliable service delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2763496B1Communication system, method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 NEC CORP
  • EP2763496B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2763496B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2763496B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A core network includes a plurality of nodes that serve as nodes managing mobility of a terminal and that are different with regards to service functions that nodes provide to the terminal. Based on subscriber information and terminal information, a node to be connected to the terminal is selected on the core network side, depending on a service characteristic utilized by the terminal or on a type of the terminal and the terminal is connected to the selected node.