Mobile Communication Location Update Signaling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Location update signaling between location aware network nodes (LANN) and control system network nodes (CSNN) in mobile communication networks generates significant overhead control signaling, necessitating a reduction in this process.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Mobility Management and Control (MMC) rule system where LANN receives location and action information from a second network node and a radio access network node, allowing it to determine and perform specified actions based on the mobile communication device's location, thereby reducing unnecessary location updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If location update signaling is performed between LANN and CSNN to track mobile device location, then location awareness and control capability are improved, but network overhead and signaling load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location update reporting function from the LANN and implements it locally at the MCD. The mobile device now autonomously determines whether to report location updates based on MMC rules, removing the need for the LANN to initiate and process these signaling exchanges with the CSNN, thereby reducing network overhead while preserving location awareness capability
Solution Approach 2:
The MCD is empowered to self-determine whether location updates should be reported by evaluating MMC rules locally. The device autonomously compares its current location against configured criteria and decides whether to trigger a location update report, eliminating the need for external signaling from the LANN and reducing control signaling overhead in the network
2Measurement precision
If frequent location updates are performed to maintain accurate location tracking, then location precision is improved, but network resource consumption and signaling frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the triggering parameters for location updates from fixed periodic intervals to dynamic conditions defined in MMC rules. Location updates are now triggered only when specific conditions are met (e.g., entering/exiting geographic areas, crossing boundaries), rather than at every movement event, thereby maintaining tracking accuracy for significant location changes while reducing overall signaling frequency and network resource consumption
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete location update signaling for every possible movement event, the system applies partial action by only triggering updates when MMC rule conditions are satisfied. This selective approach maintains sufficient location tracking accuracy for network control purposes while avoiding excessive signaling for minor or irrelevant location changes, thus reducing network resource consumption
Data Source
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AI summary
Reducing location update (or TAU) signaling in a mobile network. In some embodiments, a method is provided in which a mobility management and control (MMC) rule is provided to a location aware network node (LANN) (e.g., an MME, SGGN or TWAG). The MMC rule includes location information that specifies a location and an action (e.g. a) mobility information reporting control actions, b) mobility management control actions, and/or c) congestion and overload control actions) associated with the location. In response to receiving mobility information (e.g. a) reporting of entry or exit from area defined by the location definition and/or b) continuous cell updates within the location definition) pertaining to a mobile communication device (MCD), the LANN uses the mobility information and the location information to determine whether or not to perform the action associated with the location information.