GSM Paging Channel Monitoring Interval Extension for MTC Energy Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current GSM network paging channel monitoring solutions consume significant energy in mobile stations, particularly for non-time-critical communications, as they frequently monitor channels for incoming messages, leading to battery drain in devices like Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where mobile stations are classified into two categories based on their communication needs, allowing those in the second category to monitor the paging channel at a longer interval defined by multiplying the GSM parameter BS-PA-MFRMS by a communicated factor, reducing energy consumption without compromising performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If mobile stations monitor the paging channel at the standard GSM interval (BS-PA-MFRMS), then call set-up responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall set-up responsivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments mobile stations into two categories: those requiring fast call set-up (standard paging interval) and those with non-time-critical communication (extended paging interval). This segmentation allows MTC devices to use a longer monitoring cycle without affecting devices that need rapid response, resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic paging intervals by allowing mobile stations to identify themselves as belonging to the second category during registration. The system then applies different monitoring cycles (standard or extended) based on the device type, making the paging system adaptable to different energy and responsiveness requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If mobile stations frequently monitor the paging channel, then communication responsiveness is improved, but battery lifetime is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication responsivenessVSAvoidbattery lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different monitoring frequencies to different types of mobile stations based on their specific needs. MTC devices use extended intervals while other devices use standard intervals, allowing each category to operate with optimal battery life for its communication requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the paging monitoring parameter (interval duration) based on mobile station category. By multiplying BS-PA-MFRMS by a factor for the second category, the system adjusts the monitoring frequency to extend battery lifetime for non-time-critical devices while maintaining responsiveness for time-critical devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the paging monitoring interval is extended for MTC devices, then energy consumption is reduced, but call set-up speed may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcall set-up speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention resolves this contradiction by segmenting the mobile station population into two distinct groups with different monitoring requirements. MTC devices in the second category use extended intervals for energy savings, while other devices maintain standard intervals for fast call set-up, ensuring neither group's performance is compromised.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the paging monitoring interval based on the mobile station's category identification. During registration, devices indicate their category, and the network configures appropriate monitoring intervals, making the system flexible enough to optimize both energy consumption and call set-up speed for different device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2534904B1Method and arrangement in a telecommunication system
Publication Date: 2014.07.23 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2534904B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2534904B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2534904B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method (200) for use in a GSM network (11), comprising monitoring (205) by mobile stations (18) in the GSM network (11) of the paging channel of their paging group. When a mobile station (18) registers (210) with the GSM network (11), the GSM network classifies (215) the mobile station as belonging to one of two categories, the two categories being such that one of the two categories monitors (225) the paging channel of its paging group at an interval defined by the GSM parameter BS-PA-MFRMS and the other category monitors (230) the paging channel of its paging group at a second interval which is longer than that defined by the GSM parameter BS-PA- MFRMS.