MME Group Message Delivery via Control Plane Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently delivering group messages to IoT devices that do not support broadcast communication methods, such as MBMS, which is essential for resource optimization and management convenience in CIoT scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a mobility management entity (MME) to transmit group messages to a group of user equipment (UEs) by receiving a group message request, detecting connected UEs within a validity time, and transmitting the message through a non-access stratum (NAS) protocol data unit in the control plane, without the need for separate user plane setup or paging procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If group message delivery is implemented using traditional broadcast methods (MBMS), then message delivery efficiency is improved, but CIoT UEs cannot receive messages because they do not support MBMS function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage delivery efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility with CIoT UEs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the MME as an intermediary entity that receives group messages from the service provider and forwards them to target UEs through existing control plane signaling. This mediator approach allows message delivery without requiring UEs to support MBMS, resolving the compatibility issue while maintaining delivery efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the message delivery function into separate components: the service provider sends messages to the MME, which then individually delivers them to each UE in the group. This segmentation allows the system to bypass the need for group broadcast support at the UE level, enabling CIoT UE compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If messages are transmitted to each UE individually in a group, then compatibility with CIoT UEs is improved, but signaling overhead and network load increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with CIoT UEsVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the existing control plane signaling infrastructure (NAS messages, tracking area update procedures) for multiple purposes: both for normal UE operations and for group message delivery. This multi-functionality allows individual message delivery without requiring separate dedicated signaling mechanisms, reducing overall signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If UEs are paged to deliver group messages, then message delivery reliability is improved, but power consumption increases due to additional UE wake-ups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage delivery reliabilityVSAvoidUE power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the periodic tracking area update procedure that UEs already perform while in idle mode. By delivering group messages during these pre-scheduled connection events, the system ensures message delivery without requiring additional wake-ups, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the UE's own periodic connection establishment for tracking area updates as an opportunity to receive group messages. The UE's self-initiated connection for network updates serves dual purposes: maintaining network registration and receiving group messages, eliminating the need for separate paging operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If separate user plane setup procedures are performed for group message delivery, then message delivery accuracy is improved, but connection setup time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage delivery accuracyVSAvoidconnection setup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines group message delivery with existing control plane procedures such as tracking area updates and service requests. By merging message delivery with these necessary control operations, the system achieves accurate delivery without requiring separate user plane setup procedures, thereby reducing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10595188B2Method for group message transmission in wireless communication system and apparatus therefor

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A method for transmitting, by a first mobility management entity (MME), a group message in group units, to which a plurality of terminals belong, in a wireless communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise the steps of: receiving a group message request message requesting for transmission of the group message, wherein the group message request message includes a group identifier (ID) of a group to receive the group message, delivery contents to be transmitted to the group, and validity time which buffers the delivery contents; detecting a first terminal connected to the first MME within the validity time; confirming whether the group ID of the detected first terminal is identical to the group ID of the group message request message; and, if the two group IDs are identical, transmitting the delivery contents to the first terminal.