MME Paging Priority Handling for CS Services in LTE

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The LTE system lacks a scheme to handle paging for Circuit Switched (CS) services when a Paging procedure for Packet Switched (PS) services is ongoing, particularly for User Equipment (UE) in idle mode, leading to difficulties in prioritizing and managing CS service requests.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves preferentially handling paging for CS services by setting a priority indicator in page messages, allowing the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and Evolved Node B (eNB) to interrupt and prioritize the ongoing PS paging procedure to initiate CS paging, ensuring timely and effective handling of CS service requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the LTE system uses a predefined paging procedure for PS services, then the paging procedure can be completed, but CS service requests cannot be handled simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle both PS and CS servicesVSAvoidpaging handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the paging procedure adjustable and flexible. The MME can dynamically switch between PS paging and CS paging modes based on the type of service request received. When a CS service request is detected during PS paging, the system dynamically adapts the paging procedure to handle CS services with higher priority, allowing simultaneous handling of both service types through dynamic procedure modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the paging procedure into distinct PS paging and CS paging handling paths. By separating the handling of PS services and CS services into different procedural segments, the system can manage each type independently and prioritize CS services when needed, enabling both services to be handled without complete procedural conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If CS service requests are prioritized during ongoing PS paging, then service delay is reduced, but paging procedure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice delayVSAvoidpaging procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the MME monitors the type of service request and adjusts the paging procedure accordingly. When a CS service request is detected, the system provides feedback by modifying the paging procedure to prioritize CS handling. This feedback-driven adjustment allows the system to reduce service delay for CS requests while managing procedure complexity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the paging procedure in advance to handle CS service priorities. The MME is configured to automatically identify and prioritize CS service requests before they are fully processed, allowing preemptive adjustment of the paging procedure. This preliminary preparation enables reduced service delay without requiring complex real-time procedural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the system allows simultaneous paging for PS and CS services, then service handling capability improves, but resource management becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice handling capabilityVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different handling characteristics to different service types within the same paging procedure. PS services and CS services are treated with different local qualities - CS services receive higher priority and specialized handling when detected during PS paging. This localized differentiation allows simultaneous handling of both service types while maintaining manageable resource allocation through service-type-specific processing rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3758425B1Mobility management entity (MME), evolved node b (ENB) and methods for paging in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3758425B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3758425B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3758425B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a method for paging a User Equipment (UE) in an idle state by a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in a wireless communication network in which a Packet Switched (PS) domain and a Circuit Switched (CS) domain coexist. The method includes receiving a CS page message for paging the UE in a CS domain; and upon receiving the CS page message, sending a PS page message for paging the UE in a PS domain, the PS page message including a priority indicator, to an Evolved Node B (ENB) where the UE is located.