IoT Route Selection via Dynamic Congestion Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for methods and apparatus to efficiently select a mobile network route for data communications, particularly for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, that can dynamically choose between different routes based on loading or congestion conditions and subscription tiers to optimize data delivery in mobile networks.
Innovation Solution
A route selection function in the mobile network that obtains loading or congestion indication values for multiple network routes and selects the most suitable route for data communications, considering factors like subscription tier and current network conditions, and sends a request for the IoT device to attach via an appropriate method, such as SMS, if it is not already attached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fixed route is used for data delivery to IoT devices, then network configuration is simple, but network performance deteriorates under congestion conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic route selection where the network function entity chooses different data delivery routes based on real-time network conditions such as congestion levels, loading conditions, and subscription tiers. This transforms the static routing approach into a dynamic system that adapts to changing network states, improving reliability without requiring complex device-level routing logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a route selection function as an intermediary component within the network function entity that mediates between the data source and IoT devices. This intermediary evaluates multiple routes and selects the optimal one based on network conditions, shielding IoT devices from routing complexity while ensuring reliable data delivery
2Reliability
If multiple routes are monitored for congestion status, then data delivery reliability improves, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential routing information needed for decision-making (congestion status, loading conditions, subscription tier) from the overall network state. The route selection function focuses on processing this extracted key information rather than analyzing complete network states, reducing information processing load while maintaining reliable route selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters being monitored from comprehensive network state analysis to specific key parameters such as congestion indicators, loading conditions, and subscription tiers. This parameter transformation reduces the volume of information that needs to be processed while still enabling reliable route selection based on the most critical factors
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a message indicating a request for delivery of data to user equipment (UE) (e.g. an IoT device) operative for communications in a mobile network may be received from an application server. One or more first loading or congestion indication values indicative of a first loading or congestion at one or more first network nodes along a first mobile network route may be obtained. In addition, one or more second loading or congestion indication values indicative of a second loading or congestion at one or more second network nodes along a second mobile network route may be obtained. The first or the second mobile network route may be selected based on at least one of the one or more first and the second loading or congestion indication values. The data may be delivered to the UE over the selected mobile network route.