Femtocell PDP Context Deactivation via Identifier Alteration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deactivating Packet Data Protocol (PDP) Context when a user terminal transitions between femtocell and macrocell base stations are complex and require changes to the macrocellular network, hindering efficient billing and service continuity.
Innovation Solution
A method where the femtocell base station alters and forwards a PDP Context identifier, causing the core network to deactivate the PDP Context upon mismatch detection, allowing for timely reactivation and differentiated billing without substantial changes to the macrocellular network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the SGSN or RNC controls PDP Context deactivation, then PDP Context deactivation can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and requires changes to the macrocellular network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the femtocell base station modifies the NSAPI in forwarded messages to trigger PDP Context deactivation. This intermediary approach allows the femtocell to control the deactivation process without requiring changes to the macrocellular network's SGSN or RNC, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The femtocell base station performs self-service by autonomously modifying the NSAPI identifier in messages it forwards to the core network. This self-service capability enables the femtocell to trigger PDP Context deactivation independently, eliminating the need for complex coordination with macrocellular network elements and reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the femtocell base station modifies the PDP Context identifier, then PDP Context deactivation is triggered without macrocellular network changes, but additional processing steps are required at the femtocell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the NSAPI identifier value in messages forwarded by the femtocell base station. This simple parameter modification triggers PDP Context deactivation in the core network without requiring complex structural changes or additional hardware, thus improving ease of manufacture and deployment while keeping the femtocell processing requirements minimal.
3Productivity
If PDP Context deactivation is delayed, then service continuity is maintained, but billing differentiation between femto and macrocell cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by triggering PDP Context deactivation immediately when the femtocell base station detects a connection transfer to macrocell or modifies the NSAPI in forwarded messages. This timely deactivation enables immediate billing differentiation between femto and macrocell connections, improving billing efficiency without causing service interruption delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided of deactivating PDP Context upon transfer of a connection with a user terminal between a femtocell base station and a macrocell base station, the method comprising: the femto base station receiving a message including a first identifier of a PDP Context, altering the identifier of a PDP Context to a second identifier, and forwarding the altered message to the core network, the core network receiving a message including an identifier determines that the received identifier does not match the identifier that it expects and so deactivates the PDP Context.