Dynamic Message Routing for LPWA Devices
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing M2M communication systems for IoT devices, particularly low-power wide area (LPWA) devices, rely on static network configurations that do not account for real-time network conditions or device capabilities, leading to inefficient message delivery and potential message loss when devices enter sleep mode.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to dynamically select a delivery method for messages based on real-time information about the communication network and user equipment (UE) capabilities, using AI to configure messaging paths and switch between user plane and control plane data paths as needed to ensure message delivery upon the UE's return to an active state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static preset network configurations are used for message routing, then device complexity is reduced, but message delivery reliability deteriorates when devices enter sleep mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing that adapts to real-time network conditions and device states. The system monitors device activity status and automatically switches between user plane and control plane data paths based on whether the device is active or in sleep mode, transforming the static routing configuration into a dynamic system that responds to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring device activity status and network conditions. Based on this feedback, the routing system automatically adjusts its behavior - detecting when a device enters sleep mode and switching to appropriate delivery paths, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring complex manual configuration.
2Reliability
If dynamic AI-based routing is implemented, then message delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-based messaging system that acts as an intermediary between the originator and the LPWA device. This intermediary handles the complex AI-based routing decisions, path selection, and sleep mode detection, shielding the end devices from complexity while maintaining high delivery reliability through intelligent automated routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated AI-driven routing decisions. The messaging system autonomously monitors device states, selects appropriate delivery paths, and manages sleep mode handling without requiring manual configuration or complex device-side routing logic, thereby improving reliability while keeping device complexity low.
3Speed
If user plane data path is used for message delivery, then message delivery speed is improved, but message loss increases when device is in sleep mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between user plane and control plane data paths based on device activity status. When the device is active, the fast user plane path is used for rapid message delivery. When sleep mode is detected or suspected, the system transitions to the control plane path, which is more reliable for reaching devices in low-power states, thus adapting the delivery path to current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from device activity monitoring to determine the appropriate data path. By detecting whether the device is in active or sleep mode, the system dynamically selects the optimal path - user plane for active devices (fast delivery) and control plane for sleeping devices (reliable delivery), preventing message loss while maintaining speed when possible.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method that includes obtaining, by a processing system, real-time information regarding a state of a communication network and capabilities of the communication network; selecting a routing for delivering a message to user equipment (UE) coupled to the network, in accordance with the real-time information; and configuring a messaging path according to the routing. The method further includes detecting whether the UE is in a non-active state and if so, providing a notification on a user plane data path of the communication network; the UE on returning to an active state thus is notified that the message is available via the user plane data path. If the UE on returning to the active state is unable to receive the message via the user plane data path, the message is then provided on a control plane signaling path. Other embodiments are disclosed.