Downlink Data Notification Throttling for MME Overload
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing data traffic in 3GPP networks, particularly due to smartphone and tablet usage, leads to network congestion and overloading of mobility management entities (MME) and eNodeBs, as excessive downlink data notifications (DDNs) from serving gateways (SGWs) strain radio resources.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to throttle downlink data notifications by creating a prioritized sample set of notification messages based on Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) levels, optimizing the set by removing low-priority messages, and applying a throttle factor to reduce the number of notifications sent to the MME, thereby alleviating overload conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the SGW sends excessive downlink data notifications to locate idle UEs, then the UE can be located and data can be delivered, but the MME becomes overloaded and radio resources on eNodeB are strained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of DDN message transmission by introducing throttling mechanisms that adjust the rate and frequency of notifications based on network conditions and priority levels, transforming the system from uncontrolled high-volume transmission to controlled selective transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the DDN notification process by prioritizing messages based on ARP levels and creating sample sets of notifications, dividing the total notification load into prioritized groups that can be transmitted selectively to reduce MME overload
2Productivity
If the SGW buffers IP packets for idle UEs while locating them, then data can be delivered to the UE, but network congestion increases and user service deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively transmitting only a sample set of prioritized DDN messages rather than all buffered notifications, reducing the immediate network load while maintaining the ability to deliver data to prioritized UEs
3Productivity
If the network increases data capacity infrastructure, then more traffic can be handled, but the cost and complexity increase while traffic continues to outpace capacity growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes operational parameters at the SGW and MME to optimize traffic handling through prioritization and throttling, achieving improved network efficiency and capacity utilization without adding physical infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes creating an initial sample set comprising a plurality of notification messages, where each of the notification messages is associated with one of a plurality of bearers each of which has a first parameter associated therewith. The method further comprises prioritizing the notification messages of the initial sample set according to a value of the first parameter of the associated bearer to create a prioritized sample set and optimizing the prioritized sample set to create an optimized sample set. The method further comprises applying a throttle factor to the optimized sample to remove a number of low priority notification messages from the prioritized sample set to create a final set of notification messages to be transmitted to a network element.