Error Indication Message Format for Accurate UE Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technical specifications for Error Indication procedures in 3GPP TS 38.413 v15.2.0 do not support UE IDs other than UE APID, leading to difficulties in accurately identifying and reporting errors when S-TMSI or 5G-S-TMSI is used, as core network nodes and base stations struggle to pinpoint the source of errors in incoming messages.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods that allow core network nodes and base stations to transmit ERROR INDICATION messages using identification information such as S-TMSI or 5G-S-TMSI, enabling accurate identification and reporting of errors even when UE APID is not available, by modifying the ERROR INDICATION message format to include various UE ID formats like S-TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI, and IMSI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the Error Indication procedure uses only UE APID to identify wireless devices, then the procedure is simple to implement, but it cannot accurately identify error sources when S-TMSI or 5G-S-TMSI is used
Solution Approach 1:
The ERROR INDICATION message is enhanced to support multiple UE ID types (UE APID, S-TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI) within a single procedure framework. The message structure includes optional identity fields that can be selectively populated based on which identifier type is available, allowing the same error indication mechanism to universally handle different identification scenarios without requiring separate procedures for each ID type.
Solution Approach 2:
The error indication procedure transitions from using a single fixed parameter (UE APID) to supporting multiple interchangeable parameters (UE APID, S-TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI). The implementing node selects appropriate identity parameters based on availability, changing the identification parameter dynamically to match the context while maintaining procedural consistency.
2Reliability
If alternative UE ID formats (S-TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI) are supported in ERROR INDICATION messages, then error source identification is improved, but the message format and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identity identification functionality is segmented into distinct optional fields within the ERROR INDICATION message structure. Each UE ID type (UE APID, S-TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI) can be represented as a separate identity information element that is independently present or absent based on availability. This segmentation allows the message to remain simple when only one ID type is needed while supporting multiple types when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The error indication message includes optional identity fields that are populated only when necessary. The implementing node exercises partial action by including only the relevant UE ID type(s) available in the context, rather than always including all possible ID formats. This approach maintains message simplicity for common cases while providing enhanced capability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods performed by core network nodes and base stations for sharing error information are disclosed. A method performed by a core network node comprises initiating transmission of an ERROR INDICATION message to a base station connected to the core network node, wherein the ERROR INDICATION message comprises identification information of a wireless device that is the source of an incoming message in which an error has been detected. A method performed by a base station comprises initiating transmission of an ERROR INDICATION message to a core network node connected to the base station, wherein the ERROR INDICATION message comprises identification information of a wireless device that is the source of an incoming message in which an error has been detected. Also disclosed are core network nodes and base stations configured to perform the methods.