MME ePDG Selection via Tracking Area Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG) device for user devices in wireless local area networks (WLANs) often result in network latency due to inaccurate geographic proximity determination and resource-intensive database searches.
Innovation Solution
A mobility management entity (MME) identifies an ePDG device based on tracking area and cell information associated with the user device, using a database that maps ePDG devices to tracking areas and cells, thereby reducing latency and conserving resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If geographic proximity determination methods are used to identify ePDG device, then network latency is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate geographic proximity determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/geographic proximity determination system with a logical mapping system. Instead of calculating physical distances between user devices and ePDG devices, the system uses a database that maps tracking area identifiers and cell identifiers directly to ePDG device identifiers. This substitution eliminates the need for complex geographic calculations and their associated precision errors, while maintaining low latency through direct database lookups based on network location information.
2Measurement precision
If extensive database searching is performed to identify ePDG device, then measurement precision improves for geographic proximity, but resource consumption increases due to resource-intensive database searches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the database into organized structures based on tracking area identifiers and cell identifiers. Instead of searching through a single extensive database, the system divides the lookup process into hierarchical segments: first matching tracking area identifiers, then refining with cell identifiers. This segmentation reduces the search space and computational resources required while maintaining precise ePDG device identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary organization of database entries by tracking area and cell identifiers before the actual lookup process. By pre-structuring the database with these hierarchical keys, the system eliminates the need for extensive real-time searching during ePDG device identification. The preliminary organization enables fast, direct access to the appropriate ePDG device based on the user device's current tracking area and cell.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may receive relationship information indicating a relationship between first geographic information and a network gateway. The network gateway may be associated with providing a user device with access to a network. The device may store the relationship information. The device may receive, from the user device and via a base station, second geographic information indicating a tracking area in which the user device is located. The device may identify one or more network gateways, associated with the second geographic information, based on the second geographic information and the relationship information. The device may provide, to the user device, one or more device identifiers associated with the one or more network gateways to permit the user device to access the network via the one or more network gateways. The one or more device identifiers may be provided in association with a non-access stratum message.