Dynamic GTP TEID Allocation for UE Resume

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack the ability to change General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) tunneling protocol (GTP) tunneling endpoint identifiers (TEIDs) when a user equipment (UE) resumes a connection to the core network, particularly in scenarios where the UE transitions between different radio access nodes or requires resource load balancing.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method in network nodes to receive a resume request from a UE, determine if it was previously connected, obtain new GTP TEIDs, and transmit these changes to the core network through procedures like path switch, UE context resume, or radio access bearer modification, allowing for dynamic allocation and reallocation of TEIDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the UE resumes connection using the same GTP TEIDs as before, then connection resumption is faster and simpler, but the network cannot perform resource load balancing or handle UE transitions between different radio access nodes effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection resumption speedVSAvoidresource allocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic GTP TEID allocation during UE connection resumption. The network node determines whether to allocate new TEIDs based on current resource conditions and UE requirements, transitioning from static TEID reuse to dynamic allocation. This allows the system to adapt between fast resumption (using old TEIDs) and optimized resource allocation (using new TEIDs) based on real-time network state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the GTP TEID parameter during connection resumption when needed. By modifying the TEID value in the resume procedure, the network can redirect UE traffic to different radio access nodes or adjust resource allocation without requiring a full connection re-establishment, thus maintaining fast resumption while enabling resource optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the network allocates new GTP TEIDs upon UE resume, then resource optimization and load balancing are improved, but the signaling overhead and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork node processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary determination of whether new GTP TEIDs should be allocated before the actual connection resumption. The network node assesses resource conditions and UE requirements in advance, deciding on the TEID allocation strategy. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent resume procedure by pre-determining the TEID handling approach, reducing processing complexity during the actual resumption event.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network node autonomously determines and allocates new GTP TEIDs based on its own assessment of network resource conditions and UE requirements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex coordination with other network entities, reducing signaling overhead and processing complexity while maintaining resource allocation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If the same GTP TEIDs are reused upon UE resume, then signaling overhead is reduced, but the network cannot handle UE transitions between different radio access nodes or perform load balancing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidUE mobility handling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic GTP TEID allocation during UE connection resumption. The network node determines whether to allocate new TEIDs based on current resource conditions and UE requirements, transitioning from static TEID reuse to dynamic allocation. This allows the system to adapt between fast resumption (using old TEIDs) and optimized resource allocation (using new TEIDs) based on real-time network state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the GTP TEID parameter during connection resumption when needed. By modifying the TEID value in the resume procedure, the network can redirect UE traffic to different radio access nodes or adjust resource allocation without requiring a full connection re-establishment, thus maintaining fast resumption while enabling resource optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11432360B2Changing GTP TEIP upon UE resume

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

According to certain embodiments, a network node is operable to change a general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol (GTP) tunneling endpoint identifier (TEID) when a user equipment (UE) resumes a connection to a core network. The network node comprises processing circuitry operable to receive a resume request from a UE; determine that the UE was previously connected to the network node prior to the resume; obtain one or more GTP TEIDs that are different than GTP TEIDs that were used when the UE was previously connected to the network node; and transmit an indication of the one or more GTP TEIDs to the core network. Transmitting the indication to the core network may comprise a path switch procedure, a UE context resume procedure, or a radio access bearer modification procedure.