LTE Tracing Flow Control via MME De-activation Message
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is currently no technology available to stop a tracing flow in LTE networks, limiting flexibility and network performance.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a mobility management entity sends a tracing de-activating message to an evolved node B, carrying tracing reference information and stopping description information, which includes UE locating information, time stamp, and stopping manner, to initiate the stopping of tracing flows on the S1 or X2 interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tracing commands are bound to existing flows using SAE BEARER SETUP REQUEST or INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST messages, then tracing functionality can be established, but the signaling load increases and the system lacks flexibility to stop tracing flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracing control functionality by separating the tracing initiation (bound to existing flows) from the tracing stopping capability (new independent function). This allows tracing to be started through existing signaling messages while stopping tracing through a dedicated new message type, reducing the complexity burden on existing messages and enabling independent control of tracing flow termination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of tracing flows by enabling on-demand activation and deactivation. The MME can dynamically stop tracing flows based on operational needs, transforming the static tracing setup into a dynamically controllable process that adapts to changing network conditions and requirements.
2Productivity
If a single signaling tracing initiation command is used to start tracing, then the signaling load is reduced, but there is no mechanism to stop the tracing flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracing control into separate initiation and termination phases. The single signaling command handles initiation efficiently, while a new dedicated stopping message handles termination. This segmentation maintains the signaling efficiency benefit of the single initiation command while adding the necessary stopping capability without burdening the original message.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new tracing de-activating message as an intermediary mechanism between the MME and eNB for stopping tracing flows. This intermediary message carries the necessary stopping information without modifying the original initiation messages, thus preserving signaling efficiency while enabling flow management flexibility.
3Reliability
If tracing flows are maintained continuously for diagnostic purposes, then operational maintenance capability is improved, but network resources are consumed unnecessarily when tracing is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables periodic or on-demand tracing activation rather than continuous operation. The MME can activate tracing flows when diagnostic needs arise and deactivate them when not needed, creating a periodic action pattern that maintains diagnostic capability while avoiding continuous resource consumption associated with always-on tracing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the network to discard active tracing flows when they are no longer needed and recover the associated network resources. The new stopping mechanism enables clean termination of tracing flows, freeing up signaling and processing resources that were dedicated to tracing operations, thus improving resource efficiency while maintaining diagnostic capability on demand.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for stopping a tracing signal, wherein, a mobility management entity sends a tracing de-activating message to an evolved node B, wherein, the tracing de-activating message carries tracing reference information; responding to the tracing de-activating message, the evolved node B stops related tracing flow according to the tracing reference information. And the tracing de-activating message carries stopping description information. The related tracing flow may be stopped by the tracing de-activating message by means of the present invention so as to achieve flexibility of tracing function and improve network performance.