Lightweight Data Transmission via Signaling Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transfer mechanisms in mobile communication systems are inefficient for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications due to high signaling overhead, which increases network load and power consumption in devices like sensors, despite being optimized for high-speed internet and multimedia use.
Innovation Solution
A method and device configuration that maintains a connectionless state between user devices and the network, allowing user plane data to be sent within signaling messages on the Non Access Stratum without establishing a Security Association or data bearer, reducing the need for extensive setup procedures and enabling devices to control their own mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional data transfer mechanisms are used in mobile communication systems, then high-speed data transmission and low delay are achieved, but signaling overhead increases significantly for machine-to-machine applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission process by introducing a data forwarding entity that separates the control plane (signaling) from the user plane (data). This allows M2M devices to transmit data through pre-established bearers without requiring full connection setup procedures, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-establishing data bearers and security contexts during initial network attachment or periodic updates. This allows subsequent data transmissions to occur without repeated setup procedures, reducing signaling overhead for frequent small data exchanges characteristic of M2M applications
2Reliability
If connection-oriented data transfer procedures are implemented, then data security and network control are improved, but power consumption in machine devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection management by maintaining security contexts and bearer configurations at the network level (data forwarding entity) rather than requiring continuous device-network connections. This allows M2M devices to remain in low-power states while the network manages security and data routing, reducing device power consumption while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The data forwarding entity performs self-service by autonomously managing data routing, bearer maintenance, and security context management without requiring active device participation. This allows M2M devices to minimize their operational state and power consumption while the network infrastructure handles connection management tasks
3Reliability
If extensive setup procedures are performed for each data transmission, then network control and security are enhanced, but communication overhead and network load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-establishing data bearers, security contexts, and routing configurations during initial attachment or periodic network updates. This allows subsequent data transmissions to occur through pre-configured paths without repeated setup procedures, reducing communication overhead while maintaining network control
Solution Approach 2:
The data forwarding entity acts as an intermediary that centralizes the management of data bearers and routing information. This intermediary maintains network control by managing bearer configurations and routing decisions while shielding M2M devices from complex setup procedures, thereby reducing communication overhead
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sending user plane data between a user device and a network entity within a packet core network via a radio access network. The method comprises 1) authenticating the user device to the network entity and establishing a Security Association between the user device and the network entity; 2) maintaining the user device in a connectionless state, such that no Security Association is established between the user device and the radio access networkand no data bearer is set up between the user device and said packet core network; 3) with the user device in said connectionless state, sending uplink and downlink user plane data between the user device and said network entity by including the data within signalling messages on the Non Access Stratum.