MME Overload Prediction and UE Reconnection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communication systems, overload conditions lead to inefficiencies as multiple User Equipments (UEs) connect to a Mobility Management Entity (MME), causing network congestion, and existing methods to manage this congestion are inadequate in balancing the load effectively.

Innovation Solution

The method involves predicting the duration of an overload and determining a reconnection type for User Equipments (UEs), which includes a wait time type, extended wait time type, and MME reselection type, to manage connections and balance load by restricting reconnection attempts based on the predicted overload duration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If multiple UEs connect to a single MME, then connection speed is improved, but network overload occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection speedVSAvoidnetwork overload
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MME pool into multiple entities and distributes UEs across them. When overload is detected in a specific MME, the system redirects new UE connection requests to other MMEs in the pool, thereby segmenting the load and preventing single-point congestion while maintaining fast connection speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (MME selection logic) that mediates between UE connection requests and MME resources. This intermediary evaluates the current state of MMEs and directs UEs to appropriate targets, preventing direct overload while maintaining efficient connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If connection blocking is implemented to reduce overload, then network stability is improved, but connection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic MME selection based on real-time overload conditions. Instead of static blocking, the system dynamically adjusts connection routing - allowing fast connection when MMEs are available and redirecting to alternative MMEs when overload is detected, thereby maintaining both stability and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of MME selection criteria based on system state. When overload is detected, the selection parameter shifts from 'first available MME' to 'least loaded MME', dynamically adjusting connection behavior to balance stability and speed without fixed blocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If simple overload blocking is used, then implementation complexity is reduced, but load balancing effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation complexityVSAvoidload balancing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where MMEs report their operational status and load conditions back to the connection establishment logic. This feedback enables intelligent load distribution decisions, improving balancing effectiveness while keeping the implementation relatively simple through status-based routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by implementing load balancing only for new connection requests rather than existing connections. This selective approach provides effective load balancing where needed without adding excessive complexity to the entire system, focusing resources on the most critical balancing point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2765823B1Method and apparatus for controlling user equipment access in mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 IND ACADEMIC COOP FOUND YONSEI UNIV
  • EP2765823B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2765823B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2765823B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

The present invention comprises: a first standby method including a mobility management entity (MME) in a wireless communication system that includes predicting an overload durating time when an overload duration time that is predicted, transmitting to an eNodeB information on the reconnection method of the UE that is decided, wherein the plurality of reconnecton methods represent methods for the UE attempting reconnection with the MME after a second standby tume that is logner than the first standby time; and an MME reselectoin method for the UE attemplting the reconnectoin with an MME which is different from the MME.