LTE S-GW Selection via eNodeB Tracking Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating tracking area updates for User Equipment (UE) exchanging wireless communications over a wireless relay located in a different tracking area than its serving eNodeB is neither effective nor efficient, often causing delayed routing or connection failures due to communication being routed between multiple LTE network control system elements and wireless data centers.
Innovation Solution
A first Mobility Management Entity (MME) receives tracking area updates from the UE, determines if the tracking areas for the wireless relay and eNodeB are different, and if so, transfers UE context data to the MME controlling the eNodeB, allowing the second MME to select the appropriate Serving Gateway (S-GW) based on the eNodeB's tracking area, ensuring efficient routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If tracking area updates are processed through multiple LTE network control system elements when the wireless relay is in a different tracking area than the eNodeB, then coverage area is expanded, but routing delay and connection failure rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the eNodeB's tracking area as an intermediary reference point for S-GW selection. Instead of directly routing through multiple MMEs based on the relay's tracking area, the system uses the eNodeB's tracking area (which is known to the serving MME) as the basis for selecting the appropriate S-GW. This intermediary approach maintains the expanded coverage benefit while reducing routing complexity and delay.
2Area of stationary object
If tracking area updates are processed through multiple LTE network control system elements when the wireless relay is in a different tracking area than the eNodeB, then coverage area is expanded, but connection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The eNodeB's tracking area serves as a reliable intermediary for S-GW selection. Since the serving MME already has information about the eNodeB's tracking area, using this as the basis for S-GW selection avoids the need to route through multiple MMEs, thereby reducing the number of potential failure points and improving connection reliability while maintaining expanded coverage.
3Device complexity
If the S-GW is selected based on the wireless relay's tracking area when located in a different tracking area than the eNodeB, then network element routing is simplified, but multiple MME routing may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the eNodeB's tracking area as an intermediary that bridges the relay's location and the S-GW selection process. The serving MME selects the S-GW based on the eNodeB's tracking area information, which avoids the need to route through multiple MMEs. This intermediary approach simultaneously reduces routing complexity and maintains high routing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A first Mobility Management Entity (MME) receives a tracking area update from the User Equipment (UE) indicating a first tracking area for the wireless relay that serves the UE and indicating a second tracking area for the evolved NodeB (eNodeB) that serves the wireless relay. The first MME determines if the first tracking area and the second tracking area are different responsive to the tracking area update, and if the first tracking area and the second tracking area are different, then determines if the wireless relay is controlled by a second MME that also controls the eNodeB. If the wireless relay is not controlled by the second MME that also controls the eNodeB, then the first MME transfers UE context data to the second MME that serves the eNodeB. The second MME selects the Serving Gateway (S-GW) for the UE based on the second tracking area for the eNodeB.