Access Class Barring for M2M Devices in 3GPP Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Access Class Barring (ACB) mechanisms in mobile networks fail to differentiate between machine-to-machine (M2M) and human-operated devices, leading to network congestion as M2M devices are treated the same as human-operated devices, despite M2M devices not requiring timely access, thereby inconveniencing human operators.
Innovation Solution
The solution extends ACB functions to specifically address M2M devices by broadcasting access class barring information, allowing network operators to independently bar M2M and human-to-human (H2H) devices with different probability factors and barring times, using new message elements like ac-BarringForMO-M2MData and ac-BarringForMO-M2MSignalling, enabling M2M devices to take priority over H2H communications in overload situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Access Class Barring is applied uniformly to all devices, then network congestion is managed, but M2M devices cannot delay access during congestion while human operators are inconvenienced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device population into M2M devices and human-operated devices by introducing a device type identifier. This segmentation allows the network to apply different access control policies to different device types, enabling M2M devices to be barred from accessing congested networks while human operators maintain normal access rights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different device types differently in the access control mechanism. The Access Class Barring information is enhanced with device type specificity, allowing the network to impose barring conditions only on M2M devices during congestion events, while human-operated devices continue to access the network normally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If M2M devices are treated the same as human-operated devices, then uniform access control is maintained, but network overload cannot be mitigated effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic access control by making the Access Class Barring information responsive to network conditions and device type. The network can dynamically adjust barring parameters based on real-time congestion levels and apply them selectively to M2M devices, creating a dynamic and adaptable access management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the Access Class Barring mechanism by adding device type identification and selective barring capabilities. This allows the network to modify access control parameters dynamically, implementing more sophisticated overload protection that distinguishes between M2M and human-operated devices.
3Productivity
If access control mechanisms are extended to differentiate M2M and H2H devices, then network load management improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by enhancing the existing Access Class Barring mechanism to serve multiple functions: it continues to manage congestion for all devices while adding the capability to specifically target M2M devices. The enhanced ACB information structure maintains backward compatibility while introducing new selective barring capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for restricting Machine-to-Machine devices from accessing system resources in a 3GPP compliant network without adversely affecting the access of human operated devices makes use of a new network function that instructs all devices that are internally identified as M2M devices to block access. As such, M2M and H2H devices can be assigned to the same access classes, as presently required, but need not be access barred under the same circumstances.