MME Bearer Setup for Fluctuating Data Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE networks, efficiently managing bearer setups for user equipment (UE) that experience sharply fluctuating data volumes is challenging, as existing methods either waste resources or fail to adapt quickly enough to changing data transmission needs, particularly in scenarios like power meter services that require periodic small data uploads with occasional large data transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A method where the Mobility Management Entity (MME) monitors the data transmission state of the UE and dynamically sets up either user plane or control plane bearers based on indication information, adjusting the bearer type in real time to match the current data volume and transmission frequency, thereby optimizing resource usage and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a user plane bearer is established for frequent data transmission, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but network resources and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bearer type selection where the network can switch between control plane bearer and user plane bearer based on real-time data transmission requirements. The MME determines the appropriate bearer type by evaluating data volume, transmission frequency, and service requirements, allowing the system to adapt its resource allocation dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed bearer configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bearer type parameter (control plane vs. user plane) based on transmission characteristics. By monitoring data volume thresholds and transmission patterns, the system selects the appropriate bearer mode - using control plane bearer for small infrequent data to save resources, and user plane bearer for large frequent data to improve transmission efficiency
2Loss of energy
If a control plane bearer is used for infrequent small data, then resource consumption is reduced, but data transmission capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts bearer capacity by switching between control plane and user plane bearers. When data transmission requirements exceed control plane capabilities, the MME triggers a transition to user plane bearer, which provides significantly higher data capacity while maintaining resource efficiency for lower-volume transmissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal bearer selection mechanism that can handle both small infrequent data (control plane) and large frequent data (user plane) through the same decision-making framework. The MME evaluates transmission requirements and selects the appropriate bearer type, making the system capable of serving diverse data transmission scenarios with a single unified approach
3Adaptability or versatility
If bearer setup is performed frequently to adapt to changing data requirements, then service adaptability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of data transmission requirements before establishing the bearer type. The MME assesses data volume, transmission frequency, and service characteristics in advance to determine the appropriate bearer mode, avoiding unnecessary bearer setup and teardown operations that would generate excessive signaling overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the MME continuously monitors data transmission patterns and adjusts bearer type selections accordingly. By evaluating transmission characteristics and comparing them against thresholds, the system makes informed decisions about bearer configuration, reducing unnecessary signaling while maintaining service adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the communications field and provide a bearer setup method, apparatus, and system. The method includes: receiving, by an MME, indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate a bearer type that is set up for UE; and setting up, by the MME, a bearer for the UE according to the indication information. By means of the method, indication information used to indicate a bearer type that is set up for UE is received, and different types of bearers are set up for the UE according to the indication information, so that an MME can adjust the bearer type in real time as required and set up different types of bearers for the UE, thereby efficiently transmitting sharply fluctuated data, and lowering loss of a network and the user equipment while improving user experience.