Group Trigger System Using Interworking Function for Network Resource Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP network trigger systems waste network resources when triggering multiple user equipment (UEs) as they require a point-to-point SMS message mechanism, leading to inefficient use of network resources.
Innovation Solution
A group trigger system and method that utilizes an interworking function (IWF) entity to send trigger delivery requests to an entity with group trigger function, which delivers the trigger payload to multiple UEs efficiently, reducing network resource usage by employing broadcast or multicast services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If point-to-point trigger manner is used to trigger multiple UEs, then each UE can be triggered individually, but a great number of network resources need to be occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual trigger messages into a single group trigger message that can be delivered simultaneously to multiple UEs. The IWF entity sends one trigger delivery request to the entity with group trigger function, which then distributes the trigger payload to multiple UEs through broadcast/multicast services, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate point-to-point messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary entity with group trigger function (such as BM-SC, CBC, or MBMS-GW) that acts as a mediator between the IWF entity and multiple UEs. This intermediary receives the trigger delivery request from the IWF entity and handles the distribution to multiple UEs efficiently using broadcast/multicast mechanisms, avoiding the need for the IWF to directly manage multiple individual trigger connections.
2Ease of operation
If point-to-point trigger manner is used, then trigger delivery can be controlled precisely, but network resources are wasted when triggering groups of UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the trigger delivery system universal by enabling the same trigger mechanism to serve both individual UE triggering and group UE triggering. The IWF entity can send trigger delivery requests to entities with group trigger function that support broadcast/multicast services, allowing a single system architecture to handle both point-to-point and group trigger operations efficiently without requiring separate systems.
3Quantity of substance
If individual trigger messages are sent to each UE in a group, then each UE receives the trigger, but network resources are occupied excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses broadcast/multicast services to create copies of the trigger payload that can be simultaneously delivered to multiple UEs. Instead of sending separate trigger messages to each UE, the system sends one trigger delivery request that results in multiple copies of the trigger payload being distributed through broadcast/multicast channels, achieving efficient one-to-many communication.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a group trigger method, apparatus, and system. In embodiments of the present invention, the group trigger system includes: an interworking function (IWF) entity, configured to send a trigger delivery request to an entity that has a trigger function; and the entity that has a trigger function, configured to, after receiving the trigger delivery request sent by the IWF entity, return a trigger delivery acknowledgement message to the IWF entity, and delivers, according to the trigger delivery request, an acquired group trigger payload to a user equipment UE. The entity that has a group trigger function delivers the group trigger payload to the UE, so as to effectively implement group trigger, avoid point-to-point trigger, and save system resources.