Location-Based Device Triggering in MTC Networks
Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems, particularly in machine-type communication (MTC), face challenges in efficiently triggering groups of devices based on geographic information or group identifiers, leading to suboptimal message delivery and increased operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize geographic information or group identifiers to determine serving nodes and send device trigger requests, enabling efficient triggering of devices using tracking area identifiers, cell identifiers, or group identifiers, allowing for location-based or group-based triggering of MTC devices, even when they are not attached to the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If location-based triggering is implemented using cell broadcasting service, then devices can be triggered based on geographic information, but the system complexity increases due to the need to determine serving nodes and manage triggering requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives triggering requests, determines the appropriate serving nodes based on geographic information, and forwards the triggering requests to the correct nodes. This mediator approach simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complex decision-making logic in a dedicated server rather than requiring each network element to independently handle location-based triggering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the triggering function into separate components: a server that handles request processing and serving node determination, and separate serving nodes (MMEs or SGSNs) that actually execute the triggering. This segmentation allows each component to focus on specific tasks, reducing the complexity burden on individual elements while maintaining overall system capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple serving nodes are involved in triggering, then location accuracy is improved, but the operational complexity and message delivery challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server receives triggering requests, determines the appropriate serving nodes based on the requested location, and sends back the identified serving nodes to the requesting entity. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adapt to different location requests and automatically route triggering requests to the correct serving nodes, simplifying operational complexity despite involving multiple nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs preliminary determination of serving nodes before the actual triggering occurs. By pre-identifying which serving nodes should handle the triggering request based on geographic information, the system avoids the operational complexity of determining serving nodes during the triggering process itself, thereby simplifying operations while maintaining location accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If triggering requests are sent to multiple serving nodes, then device coverage is expanded, but the message delivery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by sending triggering requests to specific serving nodes that are locally appropriate for the requested location. Rather than uniformly distributing triggering requests to all possible serving nodes, the server identifies and directs requests only to the serving nodes that have jurisdiction over the requested geographic area, thereby maintaining high message delivery efficiency while expanding coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines which serving nodes should receive triggering requests based on the geographic location specified in each request. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different location requirements and route messages efficiently to the appropriate nodes, preventing wasted delivery attempts to unsuitable nodes while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Communication systems including the evolved packet system can include machine type communication. Location device triggering can be a feature related to machine type communication (MTC) and can also be applied to other areas, such as public safety networks. In this feature, the network can initiate a trigger to the device, such as MTC devices, based on area information provided to the network operator. A method can include triggering a group of devices using a triggering request. The triggering request includes at least one of geographic information or a group identifier based on geographic information. The method can also include receiving the request and determining at least one serving node based on the geographic information when the triggering request geographic information. The method can further include sending a device trigger request including at least one of a tracking area identifier, a cell identifier, or the group identifier.