Device Management System for M2M Network Overload Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of connected devices, such as M2M devices, leads to network overload issues due to frequent attempts to access application servers, causing signaling storms that can result in network failures, particularly in cellular networks, without human intervention to manage communication patterns.
Innovation Solution
A Device Management (DM) system is introduced to monitor network and device operations, detect predetermined operating conditions, and communicate requests to change communication patterns, allowing M2M devices to adjust their communication behavior independently of network operators, using a DM server that can interact with both devices and application servers to manage connectivity and reduce network load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If M2M devices frequently access application servers to communicate information, then communication functionality is improved, but network overload and signaling storms occur causing network failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Device Management (DM) server as an intermediary between M2M devices and application servers. The DM server receives communication requests from devices, monitors network conditions, and intelligently routes or delays requests to prevent signaling storms. This mediator layer filters and manages traffic flow, allowing frequent device communication while preventing network overload by controlling the timing and routing of messages to application servers.
Solution Approach 2:
The DM server performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and buffering device communication requests before forwarding them to application servers. Instead of immediately transmitting all device messages, the system anticipates potential network congestion and prepares requests in advance, batching or scheduling them to avoid overwhelming the network. This preliminary management of communication patterns prevents signaling storms before they occur.
2Extent of automation
If M2M devices communicate without human intervention, then automation is improved, but network operator ability to manage communication patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The DM server implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring network conditions, device communication patterns, and server status. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts communication patterns, routing decisions, and request timing. This closed-loop control enables high automation of device communication while maintaining network operator control through intelligent, condition-based decision-making that responds to real-time network state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables M2M devices to autonomously communicate with the DM server without human intervention, and the DM server automatically manages the complexity of communication pattern control. Devices self-register, self-configure, and self-manage their communication requests through the DM server, which handles load balancing, routing, and congestion control automatically. This self-service approach achieves high automation while reducing the operational burden on network operators.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of controlling the operation of M2M devices in a communications network is provided. The M2M devices are configured to send messages to one or more application servers via the network. A device management system is used to receive via the network messages relating to the operation of any of the M2M devices, the communications network and the one or more application servers. The device management system uses one or more processors to monitor the operation of any of the network, the M2M devices and the one or more application servers using said messages, detect at least one predetermined operating condition based on said monitoring, and in response to said detection, communicate a request for one or more of said M2M devices to change communication pattern.