DTM Coordination via Mobility Management Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GSM/GPRS networks face high signaling loads due to unnecessary DTM coordination for all DTM-capable mobile stations, even though only a minority actively use simultaneous CS and PS connections, leading to inefficient resource management and increased signaling demands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing mobility management procedures to determine which DTM mobile stations are actively using both CS and PS services, allowing BSS to perform DTM coordination only for those in MM Ready state, reducing internal signaling load by using specific messages like GPRS SUSPENSION REQUEST, INFORMATION, or DTM INFORMATION messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DTM coordination is performed for all DTM-capable mobile stations, then simultaneous CS and PS service support is ensured, but internal signaling load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing DTM coordination only for mobile stations that are in MM Ready state and actually need simultaneous CS and PS services, rather than for all DTM-capable mobile stations. This is achieved by checking the MM state before initiating DTM coordination procedures, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling while maintaining service reliability for active users.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile station self-identifies its MM state (Ready or Standby) through standard mobility management procedures. The network uses this self-reported information to determine whether DTM coordination is necessary, allowing the system to automatically adjust coordination activities based on actual service needs without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If mobility management procedures are implemented to identify active DTM users, then signaling load is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the DTM coordination decision process with existing mobility management state checking procedures. By combining the MM state verification (which is already performed for other GPRS services) with the DTM coordination trigger, the system avoids adding separate complexity while achieving signaling reduction. The same MM state information serves dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The MM state information (Ready/Standby) serves multiple functions: it determines both whether the mobile station can receive downlink packet data and whether DTM coordination is necessary. This multi-functionality of the MM state check eliminates the need for separate identification mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If DTM coordination is performed for all mobile stations, then downlink packet transfer reliability is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by limiting DTM coordination to only those mobile stations in MM Ready state that actually require downlink packet transfer. Mobile stations in MM Standby state or those not requiring packet data skip the coordination process entirely, preventing waste of network resources on inactive or unnecessary operations while maintaining reliability for active transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of coordination activity based on the MM state parameter. When MM state is Standby, DTM coordination is suppressed; when MM state is Ready, coordination is enabled. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes resource utilization by adapting coordination intensity to actual service requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and mobile station are presented for informing a packet control unit (PCU) whether the dual transfer mode (DTM) capable mobile station has an ongoing circuit switched connection and is in dedicated mode. The packet control unit will typically be located at a base station. Upon entering the dedicated mode, the mobile station alerts the PCU of entry into the dedicated mode, using a mobility management (MM) procedure. This mobility management procedure is utilized for alerting the PCU about the dedicated mode, regardless of physical movement of the mobile station such as movement from one cell to another.