MME NAS Handover Signaling for Accurate Old Node Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in identifying the correct network node and acquiring UE information during handovers between different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) such as EUTRAN and UTRAN/GERAN, leading to processing delays and communication inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that facilitates efficient NAS communication between UE and MME by using P-TMSI signatures and UE information acquisition from the old network node during handovers, reducing processing delays and improving communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the network uses bit information for node identity configuration, then network configuration is simplified, but the ability to distinguish between legacy network mobility management nodes and MME is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration complexityVSAvoidnode identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the node identity information into multiple fields: MMEG I (MME Group Identity) for identifying the group, MME Code for identifying the specific node within the group, and LAC (Location Area Code) for legacy network identification. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple bit-based configuration while achieving precise node identification by combining multiple identification layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If the UE stores only limited identity information, then memory usage is reduced, but the ability to identify the old network node for information acquisition is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestored identity information volumeVSAvoidold network node identification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE store the LAC (Location Area Code) of the old network node in advance during the attachment or handover process. This pre-stored information is then used later when the UE needs to acquire information from the old network node, eliminating the need to store complete node identity information while maintaining the capability to identify and communicate with the old network node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4009681B1NAS communication method and apparatus in mobile telecommunication system
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4009681B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4009681B1 patent drawingFigure 2
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AI summary

The invention provides a communication method performed by a mobility management entity, MME, in a mobile communication system, the method comprising: receiving, from a terminal, a first request message including identification information related to the terminal, the first request message being an attach request message or a tracking area update request message; identifying a type of an old network node based on a bit in the first request message; and transmitting, to the old network node, a second request message to request information associated with the terminal based on the type of the old network node. The invention further provides a corresponding MME.