MME Paging Control via PRTR Element for Radio Resource Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current S1 Paging procedures in mobile communication networks do not effectively optimize radio transmission resources, leading to inefficient paging processes due to the lack of coordinated control between Mobility Management Entity (MME) and eNodeB, resulting in suboptimal use of radio resources and potential degradation of system performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a new PRTR information element in the paging request message to allow the MME to control when the eNodeB can use 'light paging' or 'reduced transmission resources', ensuring synchronized optimization of paging area and radio transmission resources across repetitions, thereby enhancing system-wide efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If eNodeB autonomously decides on paging resources based on incomplete information, then device complexity is reduced, but system performance degrades due to uncoordinated optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new information element ' Paging at Reduced Transmission Resources ' (PRTR) in the S1 Paging message as an intermediary signal between MME and eNodeB. This PRTR flag acts as a mediator that conveys the MME's intent to use reduced transmission resources, enabling coordinated optimization without requiring complex autonomous decisions at eNodeB. The PRTR element bridges the information gap between MME and eNodeB, resolving the contradiction between simplified device complexity and reliable system performance.
2Reliability
If paging area is optimized independently of transmission resources, then paging coverage is improved, but radio transmission resources are wasted due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optimization of paging area selection with the optimization of radio transmission resources by introducing the PRTR information element that links these two previously independent optimization dimensions. When MME sets the PRTR flag, it simultaneously indicates both the desired reduced transmission resources and the associated paging area configuration, combining coverage optimization with resource efficiency in a single coordinated control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space of paging control by introducing the PRTR binary parameter (present/absent) that modifies the traditional paging message structure. This new parameter enables the system to transition between different transmission resource levels (full resources vs. reduced resources) while maintaining coordinated paging area optimization, thereby preventing radio transmission resource waste while preserving paging coverage.
3Loss of energy
If light paging is used without coordinated control, then radio transmission resources are saved, but paging reliability decreases due to insufficient transmission power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the PRTR information element that conveys the MME's intent to use reduced transmission resources back to the eNodeB. This feedback signal enables eNodeB to adjust its paging transmission strategy accordingly, using lighter paging for initial attempts when PRTR is set, while maintaining the ability to escalate to full-power paging if needed. The feedback mechanism ensures that resource saving does not compromise reliability by allowing adaptive transmission based on real-time conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment of the invention is a Core Network CN entity such as Mobility Management Entity MME, capable of sending a paging request message such as Sl Paging message to a Radio Access Network RAN entity such as eNodeB, for paging a User Equipment UE, said CN entity configured to: - provide in a paging request message, control information enabling said CN entity to influence the consumption by said RAN entity of radio transmission resources for said paging.