MME Location Reporting in LTE Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE wireless networks lack defined procedures and messaging for communicating location information of user equipment (UE) when accessing the network, disrupting features like location-based charging, policy enforcement, and access control.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mobility management entity (MME) that supports location reporting by communicating with serving gateways (SGWs) and the LTE radio access network, using enhanced cell global identity (ECGI) and tracking area identity (TAI) information to enable and manage UE location updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If location reporting procedures are implemented in LTE networks, then location information communication capability is improved, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information communication capabilityVSAvoidnetwork complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The location reporting function is segmented into distinct modules: MME for location tracking, SGW for session management, and PGW for policy enforcement. Each entity handles specific aspects of location reporting, dividing the complex function into manageable parts that can be implemented and maintained independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The MME acts as an intermediary between the radio access network and the serving gateways, managing location reporting procedures. It receives location information from the radio access network and forwards relevant information to SGW and PGW, mediating the communication between different network elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If continuous location tracking is enabled, then location accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Location reporting is implemented as a periodic action triggered by specific events rather than continuous transmission. The MME triggers location reports when the UE changes tracking areas or when policy conditions are met, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining adequate location accuracy for network operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts location reporting parameters based on network conditions and service requirements. The MME can modify reporting frequency, location update thresholds, and tracking area sizes to optimize the balance between location accuracy and signaling overhead for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8300603B2Location reporting in wireless networks

Publication Date: 2012.10.30 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Location reporting in long term evolution (LTE) wireless networks is provided. Systems and methods are disclosed to provide support of location reporting and messaging at a mobility management entity (MME) to allow location updates to serving gateways (SGWs) and packet data network gateways (PGWs), and for the SGWs and PGWs to activate and de-activate location reporting. The MME also supports detection and communication with the LTE radio access network to provide location reporting back to the communication network. The MME and the accompanying messaging can provide location reporting including enhanced cell global identity (ECGI) and tracking area identity (TAI) information.