Extended Access Control Class for Cellular Network Overload

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cellular networks face overload due to non-time-critical mobile device communication, leading to potential loss of important traffic like voice calls, as existing access control mechanisms struggle to distinguish and prioritize time-critical communications effectively.

Innovation Solution

Introduction of an Extended Access Control Class (EACC) that allows operators to assign mobile devices to different access classes based on subscription service levels, enabling differentiation between time-critical and non-time-critical communications, thereby controlling access and prioritizing time-critical traffic during high traffic loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If access control classes are used to limit access during high traffic loads, then network overload is reduced, but time-critical communication may be lost due to high load on signaling interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidtime-critical communication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the access control mechanism by introducing a new information element that separately identifies time-critical and non-time-critical access attempts. This segmentation allows the network to differentiate and handle different types of communication differently, enabling selective access control that protects time-critical traffic while limiting non-time-critical traffic during overload conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating differentiated access control treatment for different types of communication within the same network. The new information element enables the network to apply different quality levels to different access attempts - strict control for non-time-critical traffic and permissive control for time-critical traffic - based on the local characteristics of each access attempt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If devices send access bursts during high traffic loads, then data transfer is enabled, but signaling interface overload increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess flexibilityVSAvoidsignaling interface overload

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having devices indicate their time-critical status in advance through the new information element before attempting access. This allows the network to prepare and prioritize time-critical access attempts, ensuring they can proceed even during high load conditions, while non-time-critical attempts can be deferred or blocked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The new information element acts as an intermediary that carries the time-critical indication from the device to the network. This intermediary mechanism enables the network to make informed decisions about access control without requiring complex device modifications or network-side monitoring of traffic patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If access control classes are randomly assigned, then implementation is simple, but differentiation between time-critical and non-time-critical devices is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control implementation complexityVSAvoidtraffic type differentiation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a solution that works across different network conditions and device types. The new information element can be included in various access attempt types (RACH requests, scheduling requests, etc.), and the network can apply the same differentiation logic universally to all access attempts, maintaining implementation simplicity while enabling sophisticated traffic differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10111155B2Method and arrangement in a telecommunication system

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments herein include methods and arrangements for controlling access of mobile devices to a network, such as GSM. The mobile devices belong to an access control class (ACC) and also belong to an additional access control class (EACC) that provides extended access control. The arrangement broadcasts system information to the mobile devices that comprises a first indicator indicating an ACC. The first indicator indicates whether a mobile device is allowed to access or is barred from accessing the network. The system information further comprises a second indicator indicating an EACC. The second indicator indicates whether a mobile device is allowed to access or is limited from accessing the network. Limited access may entail blocking a mobile device from initiating communications with the network, blocking the mobile device from receiving network initiated communications, or both. A mobile device blocked from network initiated communication may not answer a page from the network.