E-SMLC MME Pool Association Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE positioning systems face challenges in determining associations between pools of core network nodes (MMEs) and base stations, leading to inefficiencies in routing information extraction, particularly when an E-SMLC is connected to multiple MME pools, and existing solutions are either impractical or require manual configuration.
Innovation Solution
A method and positioning server algorithm that calculates a probability index for each MME pool based on the location of base stations to determine the serving pool, allowing for automatic identification and storage of associations, which can be used to extract routing information without manual configuration or reliance on external systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration or external systems are used to determine associations between MME pools and base stations, then routing information can be extracted, but the process requires manual intervention and is not vendor-independent
Solution Approach 1:
The E-SMLC automatically determines associations between MME pools and base stations by autonomously analyzing signaling messages and extracting routing information without manual configuration or external systems. The server independently identifies serving MME pools for each base station through probabilistic analysis of location service positioning information, making the system self-sufficient and vendor-independent.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing solutions are used to determine MME pool associations, then routing information can be obtained, but the solutions are either impractical or require manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The E-SMLC continuously monitors and analyzes signaling messages between network elements, using feedback from location service positioning information to dynamically determine and update associations between MME pools and base stations. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to network changes without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-processes and stores association information between MME pools and base stations by analyzing signaling messages in advance, so that routing information is readily available when needed. This preliminary determination of associations eliminates the need for manual configuration during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the E-SMLC is connected to multiple MME pools, then more base stations can be served, but the complexity of determining associations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network into distinct MME pools with identified geographic areas, allowing the E-SMLC to independently determine associations for each pool-base station pair. This segmentation approach enables the handling of multiple MME pools without proportionally increasing complexity, as each pool can be processed independently using the same probabilistic methodology.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to positioning in a communication network. In Long Term Evolution, LTE networks the positioning server E-SLMC needs routing information in order to communicate with individual base stations, eNodeBs. For LTE networks configured with one Mobility Management Entity, MME or one pool of MMEs, the routing information can be obtained by interrogating the MME or an arbitrary MME in the MME pool. However, if the network is configured with several MME pools serving different sets of eNodeBs, the E- SLMC has now knowledge of which MME or MME pool that is serving a certain eNodeB. The invention includes a method and a position server (111) configured to quickly determine which MME pool (120,130) is serving a certain eNodeB (141-153) so that the relevant routing information necessary for the positioning server (111) to communicate with the eNodeBs (141-153) is obtained.