Extended Access Barring for LTE Network Overload Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in managing access overload, particularly in LTE and UMTS networks, where machine type communication devices can overwhelm the radio access network and core network, leading to blocked access for normal priority mobile devices due to bursty access patterns.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Extended Access Barring (EAB) mechanisms, which allow network operators to dynamically control access by categorizing mobile devices and broadcasting EAB information via System Information Blocks (SIBs), enabling the network to bar delay tolerant and low-priority devices during congestion, thereby protecting the network from overload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If access barring is applied to prevent overload, then network reliability is improved, but access speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidaccess speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments mobile devices into different categories (EAB-configured devices versus non-EAB devices) and applies different access control mechanisms to each segment. Normal priority devices without EAB configuration are not subject to barring, while delay tolerant devices with EAB configuration are subject to access barring during overload conditions. This segmentation allows the network to maintain reliability for critical devices while controlling overall load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated access control policies for different device categories and access scenarios. The access barring mechanism is selectively applied based on device characteristics (EAB configuration) and access type (delay tolerant access), rather than uniformly across all devices. This allows normal priority devices to maintain fast access while delay tolerant devices experience controlled barring during overload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If extended access barring is implemented to control delay tolerant devices, then network overload is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork loadVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having mobile devices autonomously determine their own access barring status based on pre-configured EAB parameters stored in their memory. Devices independently evaluate whether they should be barred from accessing the network based on their EAB configuration and current access requirements, without requiring complex real-time communication with network controllers for each access decision. This reduces device complexity while effectively controlling network load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If access barring information is broadcast in SIB, then information delivery speed is improved, but network overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation delivery speedVSAvoidnetwork overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by broadcasting only the essential EAB configuration information (barring parameters, categories, and conditions) in System Information Blocks, rather than transmitting complete access control policies or real-time network status for each device. This provides sufficient information for devices to make autonomous access decisions while minimizing the overhead of information broadcasting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3706473B1Extended access barring
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 INTEL CORP
  • EP3706473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3706473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3706473B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A mobile device operable to authorize access to a node is disclosed. The mobile device can receive extended access barring (EAB) configuration information in a SIB type 14 received in a broadcast control channel (BCCH) from a transmission station. The mobile device can bar the mobile device configured for EAB and having characteristics identified in the EAB configuration information for barring from accessing the transmission station.