Interworking Function Congestion Signaling for LTE-3G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proposals for interworking between LTE and 3G networks lack a standard mechanism to convey congestion information from the 3G network to LTE networks, leading to inefficient congestion management and unnecessary signaling, particularly due to the dynamic nature of congestion status and the proprietary protocols used.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is introduced to signal the congestion status of a circuit-switched network to mobile terminals in an LTE network through an interworking function, where congestion information is transmitted along with circuit services signaling messages, reducing signaling overhead by piggy-backing it onto existing messages or using separate messages linked to circuit services signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If congestion information is broadcast over LTE broadcast channel, then mobile terminals in LTE network can receive congestion status, but signaling overhead increases and proprietary protocols are required for dynamic updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines congestion information transmission with existing circuit services signaling messages between the 3G network and LTE network. Instead of using separate broadcast mechanisms, the congestion status is merged into the signaling messages that are already being exchanged for circuit services, thereby utilizing existing protocol infrastructure without adding new signaling overhead or requiring proprietary protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing circuit services signaling messages are made multi-functional by incorporating congestion information into them. These messages continue to serve their original purpose of signaling circuit services while simultaneously conveying congestion status, eliminating the need for dedicated congestion signaling mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
2Loss of information
If congestion information is conveyed after circuit-switched fallback attempt, then congestion status can be indicated, but unnecessary signaling occurs when fallback is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits congestion information in advance, along with circuit services signaling messages, before mobile terminals attempt circuit-switched fallback. This preliminary transmission of congestion status allows terminals to make informed decisions about whether to attempt fallback, avoiding unnecessary signaling and energy consumption associated with failed fallback attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where congestion status information is continuously provided to mobile terminals through the interworking function. Terminals use this feedback to adjust their fallback behavior dynamically, preventing unnecessary access attempts to congested networks and optimizing resource utilization.
3Productivity
If proprietary protocols are used to convey congestion information dynamically, then real-time congestion status can be updated, but vendor equipment interoperability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments congestion information into standardized fields within existing signaling message structures. By using defined information elements that can be parsed according to standard protocols, the solution enables dynamic congestion status updates while maintaining compatibility across different vendor equipment through standardized information representation.
Data Source
AI summary
A congestion indication is introduced to indicate the congestion status of the circuit-switched network to a packet-switched network, such as an LTE network. The congestion indication is transmitted from an interworking function in the circuit-switched network to the LTE network. The congestion indication and/or other congestion information is transmitted with a circuit services signaling message that is otherwise being sent. Piggy-backing the congestion information with other circuit services signaling messages reduces the amount of signaling over the LTE network.