IoT Server-Guided PLMN Transfer for UE Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio networks lack mechanisms to efficiently transfer user equipment (UEs) between Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) for reasons other than coverage, such as congestion or optimization, and do not fully leverage the capabilities of IoT servers in managing network context and UE visibility across multiple PLMNs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods for UE transfer between PLMNs based on network load balancing and optimization, utilizing IoT servers to manage UE transfers by leveraging their network context and visibility, including manual network selection and core network entity-driven transfers, with support from M2M/IoT devices and servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If radio networks use traditional coverage-based PLMN selection, then devices can connect to available networks, but networks cannot efficiently transfer UEs for load balancing or optimization purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network can provide restricted access to devices, allowing them to register and receive transfer indications without full service access. This intermediary registration state enables the network to control and orchestrate PLMN transfers for load balancing and optimization, resolving the contradiction between transfer efficiency and mechanism complexity.
2Productivity
If networks allow free registration of devices, then device connectivity is maximized, but networks lose control over UE distribution and cannot perform load balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating different access modes: restricted access for transfer-controlled devices and normal access for autonomous devices. This allows the network to apply different policies to different device groups, enabling load balancing through restricted access while maintaining connection reliability through normal access options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control where devices can transition between restricted and normal access states. The network can dynamically indicate transfers to devices in restricted mode, allowing flexible UE distribution for load balancing while ensuring devices can reliably connect through either access mode depending on network conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices perform autonomous PLMN selection, then device autonomy is maintained, but network optimization and congestion management are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a dual-mode registration system that serves multiple functions: restricted access for network-controlled transfer scenarios and normal access for autonomous device scenarios. This single framework handles both network-optimized and device-autonomous operations, providing adaptability without complicating device operation.
4Productivity
If networks implement comprehensive UE transfer mechanisms, then network optimization is improved, but signaling overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing restricted access registration that provides just enough network control for transfer optimization without full service activation. Devices receive transfer indications through signaling but maintain simplified operation by only acting on these indications when needed, reducing overall signaling overhead while preserving optimization efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Radio networks such as Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), user equipment devices (UEs), servers such as Internet-of-Things servers, and core network entities may be adapted to facilitate transfers of connections of wireless devices. For example, a first PLMN may provide restricted access to a UE to assist the UE in finding a second PLMN for a full connection. Entities may be adapted to support for non-coverage related PLMN transfers, such as transfers initiated by UEs, PLMNs, servers, and core network entities, e.g., in response to changing usage, congestion, etc.