Load Relocation via Access Network Mapping in 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 4G communications networks, the process of changing a serving Mobility Management Entity (MME) for user equipment (UE) is complex and inefficient, leading to excessive air interface signaling and resource usage, which is inadequate for the flexible and dynamic deployments of 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for load relocation in communications networks that involves determining a target access management entity, sending correspondence between original and target access management entity identifiers and addresses, and updating the access network to forward messages directly to the target entity, reducing the need for air interface signaling and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the existing MME change procedure is used in 4G networks, then the UE can be relocated to a new MME, but air interface signaling overhead increases abruptly and the process becomes too slow for dynamic 5G network scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the access network entity with a mapping table that contains correspondences between original MME identifiers and target MME addresses. This allows the access network entity to immediately forward messages to the correct target MME without triggering complex location update procedures, thereby reducing signaling overhead and improving relocation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the core function of MME identification and routing from the complex location update procedure. By separating the message forwarding function from the full location update process, the system can perform rapid MME relocation using only essential signaling, leaving out unnecessary procedural steps that contribute to signaling overhead
2Productivity
If handover in batches is used to avoid air interface signaling storm, then signaling overhead is controlled, but the load relocation speed becomes too slow to achieve timely load balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping table stored in the access network entity that acts as a mediator between the UE and the target MME. This mapping table enables direct message routing without requiring repeated signaling exchanges, allowing individual UEs to be relocated rapidly without triggering signaling storms, thus achieving both high relocation speed and signaling efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a load relocation method, apparatus, and a system. The method includes determining, by a communications network entity, a target access management entity for load relocation; and sending, to an access network entity, an identifier of an original access management entity and an identifier of the target access management entity or an address of the target access management entity with respect to the access network entity. The access network entity sends a message from a user equipment (UE) to the target access management entity based on the identifier of the original access management entity carried in the message from the UE. In the foregoing solution, signaling overheads in a load relocation process are reduced and load relocation efficiency is improved.