Enhanced Access Barring for MTC Device Congestion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Access Class Barring (ACB) mechanism in LTE systems is inadequate for managing the simultaneous access of large numbers of Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices, leading to potential network overload and unfair prioritization of access for delay-insensitive or low-priority services.
Innovation Solution
The Enhanced Access Barring (EAB) method determines access based on EAB parameters for specific Access Classes, allowing access judgment according to common ACB parameters when not barred, and calculates re-access barring times when barred, integrating with the existing ACB mechanism to manage network congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the existing ACB mechanism is used to control terminal access, then the network can be protected from overload, but the access control is insufficient for large numbers of MTC devices causing potential network overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access control mechanism by introducing Enhanced Access Barring (EAB) parameters specifically for MTC devices, separate from the traditional ACB parameters. This segmentation allows differentiated access control strategies: EAB parameters provide stricter control for MTC devices while ACB parameters continue to manage general terminal access, thereby resolving the contradiction between network protection and adaptability for MTC devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different access control parameters for different terminal types. MTC devices are assigned EAB parameters with specific barring factors and time windows tailored to their characteristics (large number of devices, small data packets), while other terminals use standard ACB parameters. This localized optimization enables the system to handle MTC devices without compromising overall network reliability.
2Reliability
If MTC devices are allowed to access the network simultaneously after power recovery, then network availability is restored, but network overload occurs due to the large number of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring EAB parameters (barring factor and time window) for MTC devices before power recovery events. When power is restored, these pre-set parameters automatically activate to control and stagger device access, preventing the simultaneous access surge that would cause network overload. This preliminary preparation ensures both network availability and load management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the time window parameter in EAB, which creates periodic access control cycles. Instead of allowing continuous or simultaneous access, the system implements periodic access windows that stagger MTC device connections over time. This periodic mechanism distributes the load across multiple time slots, maintaining network availability while preventing overload from the large number of devices.
3Reliability
If access control is implemented for MTC devices, then network overload is prevented, but delay-insensitive or low-priority services are unfairly prioritized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments access control into two independent mechanisms: EAB for MTC devices and ACB for other terminals. By maintaining separate parameter sets and control logic, the system prevents MTC devices from unfairly prioritizing over delay-insensitive services. The segmentation ensures that EAB controls MTC access while ACB continues to manage general terminal access with standard fairness principles, resolving the contradiction between overload prevention and access fairness.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The disclosure provides a terminal access method and a terminal access device. The method comprises: determining, according to a value within an Enhanced Access Barring (EAB) parameter corresponding to an Access Class (AC) configured by a system, whether to allow access of a terminal corresponding to the AC; when the corresponding AC is determined to be not barred according to the EAB parameter, then according to a common Access Class Barring (ACB) parameter broadcasted by the existing system, performing access allowed judgment; when the corresponding AC is determined to be barred according to the EAB parameter, then, according to a barring time parameter configured by the system, calculating a barring time for re-accessing the system. In the method of the disclosure, the EAB and the existing ACB mechanism are jointly processed, solving the problem of possible impact on a system caused when large numbers of delay-insensitive or low-priority services or terminals access a network simultaneously. Also, during the occurrence of an unexpected event, as the EAB applicable terminal is provided with appropriate control, this type of terminal is prevented from accessing the system directly without constraints, and the duration of system congestion during the unexpected event is shortened.