eNB CSG State Update via MME Mediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, especially under dual-connection architectures, there is a challenge in timely updating the Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) identity state of User Equipment (UE) across evolved Node Bs (eNBs), which affects service continuity and quality of service due to changes in user membership or subscription information.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where an eNB, acting as either a Master eNB (MeNB) or Secondary eNB (SeNB), obtains updated CSG state information from a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and executes necessary updates, including sending this information to the corresponding SeNB or MeNB to ensure synchronized operations and maintain service quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the UE is kept in RRC connection with multiple eNBs under dual-connection architecture, then higher data rate and spectral efficiency are achieved, but the complexity of managing CSG identity state across multiple eNBs increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidCSG identity state management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the CSG identity state management functions of multiple eNBs (MeNB and SeNB) into a unified system where the MME centrally manages the CSG state information. The MeNB and SeNB both obtain CSG state from the MME, eliminating the need for complex inter-eNB signaling and state synchronization, thus reducing management complexity while maintaining dual-connection benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MME acts as an intermediary that mediates between the UE and multiple eNBs for CSG identity state management. Instead of direct complex interactions between UE and multiple eNBs, the MME receives CSG state information and distributes it to relevant eNBs, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the CSG subscription information changes or expires, then updated CSG identity state must be informed to eNBs, but service disruptions may occur during the update process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidtime for CSG state update
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining CSG state information in the MME before it is needed by eNBs. When CSG subscription information changes, the MME proactively updates the CSG state and notifies relevant eNBs in advance, ensuring that the eNBs have the latest CSG state information ready before any access decisions are made, thus preventing service disruptions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the MME continuously monitors CSG subscription information changes and automatically triggers updates to eNBs. When the MME detects a change in CSG state, it sends notifications to the appropriate eNBs, ensuring that the network elements have real-time awareness of CSG membership status without requiring manual intervention or causing service interruptions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3131341B1Method and system for updating closed subscriber group identity state, and evolved node b
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 ZTE CORP
  • EP3131341B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3131341B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3131341B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and system for updating a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) identity state, and an evolved Node B (eNB). An eNB obtains updated CSG identity state information about a User Equipment (UE) from a Mobility Management Entity (MME), and executes an update operation according to the updated CSG identity state information, the eNB being a Master eNB (MeNB) or a Secondary eNB (SeNB).