M2M Core Network Access Segmentation for Traffic Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing network infrastructure is inadequate to meet the unique requirements of Machine to Machine (M2M) services, which differ significantly from Human to Human services in terms of terminal identification, mobility management, data transmission modes, and application features, leading to suboptimal network performance and load management.

Innovation Solution

A dedicated M2M core network is implemented, which identifies M2M equipment through specific identity indication information and selects the corresponding M2M core network for access, allowing the existing network to support M2M services without enhancements or expansions, while maintaining service for Human to Human equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the existing GPRS or EPS network is used for M2M services, then the network infrastructure can be reused without additional deployment, but the network performance and load management become suboptimal due to the significant differences between M2M and H2H service requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork deployment simplicityVSAvoidnetwork performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the core network into separate H2H network elements and M2M network elements. The H2M network handles traditional human-to-human services while the M2M network is specifically designed for machine-to-machine services with appropriate identification, mobility management, and data transmission optimizations. This segmentation allows each network to be optimized for its specific service type without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating specialized M2M network elements with specific functionalities tailored to M2M requirements. The M2M network uses different identification mechanisms, mobility management procedures, and data transmission modes that are locally optimized for machine communication patterns, while the H2H network maintains its existing optimizations for human users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the existing network is optimized for H2H services, then the network management and communication quality are optimized for human users, but the network cannot effectively meet the unique requirements of M2M services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork management qualityVSAvoidservice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the network into distinct H2H and M2M domains with separate network elements. The M2M network elements are specifically designed to handle machine identification, mobility management, and data transmission, providing optimized management quality for M2M services while the H2H network continues to serve human users with its existing optimizations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an M2M identification mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the terminal and the network core. This intermediary enables the network to recognize and route M2M traffic appropriately, facilitating service compatibility without requiring changes to the existing H2H network operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a dedicated M2M core network is implemented, then the network can effectively meet M2M service requirements with optimized performance, but the network complexity increases compared to using the existing H2H network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

While segmentation does increase architectural complexity by creating separate M2M and H2H network elements, it enables optimized performance for M2M services. The patent manages this complexity through standardized interfaces and procedures that allow the segmented networks to operate independently yet cohesively within the overall network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the M2M network elements to handle multiple M2M service types and requirements through universal mechanisms. The M2M identification, mobility management, and data transmission protocols are designed to be multi-functional, accommodating various M2M applications while maintaining a unified network architecture that doesn't require separate optimizations for each service type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Quantity of substance

If the existing network handles both H2H and M2M traffic, then network resources are efficiently utilized, but the unique identification, mobility management, and data transmission requirements of M2M equipment cannot be properly addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidequipment identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an M2M identification mechanism as an intermediary layer between the terminal and network core. This intermediary enables precise identification of M2M equipment by providing dedicated identification procedures and data structures that accurately distinguish M2M terminals from H2H terminals, ensuring measurement precision in equipment identification while maintaining efficient resource utilization through shared network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by implementing M2M-specific identification, mobility management, and data transmission mechanisms within the M2M network elements. These locally optimized procedures ensure accurate identification and proper handling of M2M equipment while the overall network continues to efficiently utilize resources by maintaining separate but parallel H2H network operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2523505B1An access implementing method and device for machine to machine core network
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 ZTE CORP
  • EP2523505B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2523505B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2523505B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for implementing an access to a Machine to Machine (M2M) core network. In the method, a network element receives an access request message carrying equipment identity indication information, wherein the access request message is initiated by terminal equipment; the network element determines that the terminal equipment is M2M equipment according to the equipment identity indication information; and the network element selects a corresponding M2M core network for the terminal equipment to implement the access of the terminal equipment. According to the technical solution provided by the present invention, the existing network can meet the M2M service requirement while providing services for existing Human to Human (H2H) equipment, without any need of enhancement and mass expansion.