LTE Interface Message Correlation for UE Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE network technologies face challenges in correlating messages across different interfaces, such as the air (Uu) and wireline (S1) interfaces, which hinders effective monitoring and management of user equipment (UE) identities and sessions, impacting network performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for correlating messages across LTE interfaces by extracting and matching identifiers from Uu Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connection Request messages with S1-Mobility Management Entity (MME) Initial UE Messages, using identifiers like SAE Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI), Application Protocol Identity (AP-Id), and International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), within a configurable time window, to associate and track UE activities across interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If message correlation across LTE interfaces is implemented, then network monitoring accuracy and UE tracking capability are improved, but system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary correlation system that acts as a mediator between the Uu and S1 interfaces. This intermediary component receives messages from both interfaces, extracts identifiers, and performs matching operations to correlate the messages. By placing this correlation function as a separate intermediary layer, the system achieves accurate cross-interface monitoring without directly complicating the core network elements (eNB and MME), thus resolving the contradiction between monitoring accuracy and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the message correlation function into distinct modular components: message interception modules for each interface, identifier extraction modules, and a central correlation engine. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and less complex while maintaining high monitoring accuracy through coordinated operation of these segmented modules.
2Loss of information
If identifier extraction and matching is performed across multiple interfaces, then UE session tracking capability is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-extracting and buffering identifiers from messages as they arrive at each interface, before the actual correlation operation is needed. The correlation engine receives pre-processed identifier data ready for matching, eliminating the need for real-time extraction during the correlation process. This preliminary preparation reduces the processing time required for actual UE session tracking while maintaining complete tracking capability.
3Productivity
If cross-interface message correlation is implemented, then network management effectiveness is improved, but implementation complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the correlation system with universal functionality that can handle multiple interface types (Uu and S1) and multiple message types through a single unified correlation engine. The system uses common identifier formats and correlation logic that can be applied across different interface combinations, reducing the need for separate implementation solutions for each interface pair. This multi-functional design simplifies deployment by providing a single versatile solution rather than multiple specialized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for Long Term Evolution (LTE) interface correlation are described. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving a first message, the first message having been intercepted over an air (Uu) interface of an LTE network (e.g., probed via a Common Public Radio interface (CPRI) between an Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) Node B (eNB)'s remote radio head and baseband processing unit), the first message having a first identifier. The method may also include receiving a second message, the second message having been intercepted over the S1 interface between the eNB and a Mobility Management Entity (MME) within an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) portion of the LTE network within a given time window from the first message, the second message having a second identifier. The method may further include correlating the first and second messages in response to a match between the first and second identifiers.