MME Downlink Data Routing for 5G IoT Control Plane Overload

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting large volumes of data over the control plane, leading to MME overload and potential data loss, especially during firmware updates or high-data transactions in IoT environments, where data is segmented into numerous messages, causing traffic overload and packet loss.

Innovation Solution

The method involves switching downlink data from the S11-U connection to the S1-U connection for processing large volumes of packets, utilizing a bearer modification procedure to handle big data transmissions, thereby avoiding MME overload and ensuring reliable user packet transmission by leveraging the S1-U user plane interface between the eNB and SGW.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If downlink data is transmitted over the control plane (S11-U connection) in 5G communication systems, then small packet transmission efficiency is improved, but large volume data transmission causes MME overload and data loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmall packet transmission efficiencyVSAvoidlarge volume data transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data transmission by volume: small packets continue to use the control plane (S11-U) for efficient processing, while large volume data is segmented off to use the user plane (S1-U) to prevent MME overload. This segmentation allows each transmission path to be optimized for its appropriate data size range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic path selection where the MME can switch between control plane and user plane based on real-time data volume assessment. When large downlink data is detected, the system dynamically transitions from S11-U to S1-U connection, allowing flexible adaptation to varying data transmission requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If data is segmented into numerous messages for large volume transmission, then complete data delivery is achieved, but traffic overload and packet loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete data deliveryVSAvoidtraffic overload and packet loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts large volume data from the control plane processing path and redirects it to the user plane. By taking out problematic large data transmissions from the S11-U path, the system eliminates the source of traffic overload and packet loss while preserving control plane efficiency for smaller messages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the user plane (S1-U connection) as an intermediary path for large volume data transmission. This intermediary handles the burden of large data segments, preventing them from overwhelming the control plane while ensuring reliable delivery through dedicated user plane resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the MME processes large volumes of data packets, then downlink data transmission capability is improved, but MME overload and system performance degradation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownlink data transmission capabilityVSAvoidMME processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts large volume data processing from the MME's control plane responsibilities and transfers it to the user plane infrastructure. This extraction maintains enhanced downlink transmission capability while relieving the MME of excessive processing burden that would degrade system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic load distribution where the MME assesses data volume and dynamically routes appropriate traffic to the user plane. This dynamic approach allows the MME to maintain high transmission capability for supported data types while avoiding overload from unsuitable large volume transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3808150B1Downlink data transmission method and apparatus for wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3808150B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3808150B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3808150B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A downlink data transmission method of a mobility management entity (MME) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving an update bearer request including information necessary for transmitting downlink data, which is configured to be transmitted over a control plane and is greater than a predetermined size, over a user plane from a serving gateway (SGW), transmitting an evolved-radio access bearer (E-RAB) setup request including a radio bearer between a terminal and a base station, and an S1 bearer on the user plane between the base station and the SGW to the base station based on the information, and transmitting data to the terminal through the E-RAB established according to the E-RAB setup request.