Control Plane Optimization for Low Power IoT Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location solutions for user equipment (UE) in wireless networks, particularly for IoT devices, are resource-intensive, leading to high battery consumption and network resource drainage due to the need for frequent signaling connections and extensive processing for periodic and triggered location services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Control Plane (CP) optimization, which allows UEs to report location events without initially establishing a signaling connection to the core network, using Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes for data transmission and releasing connections efficiently, thereby reducing signaling load and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional control plane location solutions are used, then location accuracy and reliability are maintained, but UE battery consumption and network resource usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location reporting process into two distinct paths: a optimized control plane path for periodic/triggered location reports that bypasses full signaling connection establishment, and a traditional path for other location services. This segmentation allows low-power operation for routine location updates while maintaining reliability for other location functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the RAN node as an intermediary that receives and forwards location event reports from the UE to the location server without requiring the UE to establish a direct signaling connection to the core network. This intermediary role reduces the signaling burden on the UE while maintaining the location service functionality.
2Measurement precision
If frequent signaling connections are established for periodic location updates, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location event report transmission from the traditional signaling connection establishment process. By allowing UEs to send location reports directly through the RAN node without full signaling connection setup, it removes the resource-intensive parts of the traditional process while preserving the essential location reporting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic and triggered location reporting where UEs send location updates at predetermined intervals or when specific triggers occur, rather than maintaining continuous signaling connections. This periodic action reduces network resource consumption while maintaining adequate location tracking accuracy for IoT applications.
3Productivity
If traditional location reporting procedures are used, then comprehensive location information is obtained, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by having UEs pre-configure location event reporting parameters and triggers before actual location updates are needed. The UE autonomously determines when to report based on pre-defined criteria, eliminating the need for complex real-time signaling coordination and reducing processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are discussed herein for supporting periodic or triggered location of a user equipment (UE) using control plane (CP) optimization with optional use of Early Data Transmission (EDT). A location server (LS), such as a 5G LMF, sends a request to a UE for periodic or triggered location and includes a request and/or criteria for using CP optimization. After confirming the request, the UE monitors for periodic or triggering events and, for each detected event, sends an event report to the LS which may include location information. In embodiments, the UE establishes a signaling association with a RAN node to send the event report using CP optimization and optionally using EDT. The RAN node may then release the signaling association after the LS returns a single response to the UE.