Dynamic Tracking Area Assignment in Wireless Base Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless communication systems face challenges in optimally assigning tracking areas (TAs) to user equipment (UE) due to a trade-off between reducing paging traffic and the frequency of location registrations, leading to increased operational expenditure (OPEX) and inefficient resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system where the base station sends location and cell size information to a mobility management node, allowing dynamic assignment of tracking areas based on the layout and movement of UE, reducing the need for manual operator intervention and optimizing TA allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the number of tracking areas assigned to UE is reduced, then paging traffic is reduced, but the number of location registrations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging trafficVSAvoidlocation registration frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TA assignment where the mobility management node automatically adjusts the number of tracking areas assigned to each UE based on real-time movement characteristics. The system transitions from static operator-configured TA lists to dynamic assignment that adapts to UE mobility patterns, thereby optimizing the balance between paging traffic reduction and location registration frequency without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the mobility management node continuously monitors UE movement patterns and automatically adjusts TA assignments accordingly. The node receives location information from base stations, analyzes movement characteristics, and dynamically modifies the TA list for each UE to achieve optimal performance in balancing paging efficiency and registration overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If manual operator intervention is used for TA assignment, then TA allocation can be controlled, but operational expenditure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTA assignment controlVSAvoidoperational expenditure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the mobility management node automatically performs TA assignment and optimization without requiring manual operator intervention. The system autonomously monitors UE movement, analyzes mobility patterns, and dynamically adjusts TA assignments based on current network conditions and UE behavior, thereby eliminating the need for continuous manual configuration and reducing operational expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the manual mechanical process of operator intervention with an automated electronic control system. The mobility management node uses electronic algorithms to automatically analyze movement information and assign TAs, substituting human operators with an automated decision-making system that processes data and makes assignments based on pre-defined optimization criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the number of TAs assigned to high-speed moving UE is increased, then the number of location registrations is reduced, but paging traffic increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation registration frequencyVSAvoidpaging traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of tracking areas assigned to each UE based on their instantaneous movement characteristics. For high-speed UEs, the system automatically increases TA assignments to reduce location registrations, while for stationary or low-speed UEs, it reduces TA assignments to minimize paging traffic. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal performance for each UE regardless of its movement pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different TA assignment strategies to different UEs based on their individual mobility characteristics. Instead of using a uniform TA assignment policy for all UEs, the system analyzes each UE's movement pattern and assigns an appropriate number of TAs tailored to that specific UE's behavior, thereby optimizing the balance between paging traffic and location registrations for each user individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10791473B2Wireless communication system, base station device, move control node, and method of wireless communication
Publication Date: 2020.09.29 NEC CORP
  • US10791473B2 patent drawing
  • US10791473B2 patent drawing
  • US10791473B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A base station is provided. The base station includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sends, to a node including mobility management function, a first message, the first message including both first information about a tracking area supported in the base station and second information about a size of a cell of the base station. The receiver receives a response message of the first message from the node including mobility management function.