MME Reselection via Intermediary for Service-Specific Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE networks, eNodeBs select MMEs based on network topology, which can lead to incorrect MME selection for UEs subscribing to different services, resulting in inefficient management and potential service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method where the first MME receives an access request from UE, determines the correct MME type based on subscription data from the Home Subscriber Server, and forwards the access request to the appropriate second MME, ensuring correct MME selection for service-specific management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If eNodeB selects MME based on network topology, then the selection process is simple and fast, but the MME selection accuracy deteriorates for UEs with different service subscriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the first MME as an intermediary entity between the eNodeB and the second MME. The eNodeB sends the access request to the first MME, which then queries the HSS to determine the correct MME type based on UE subscription data, and finally forwards the request to the appropriate second MME. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple eNodeB-topology-based routing while achieving accurate service-specific MME selection through the first MME's intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The first MME performs preliminary action by querying the HSS to obtain UE subscription data and determining the correct MME type before forwarding the access request. This preliminary determination ensures that the final MME selection is accurate without requiring the eNodeB to perform complex service-based routing decisions.
2Productivity
If MMEs are classified into multiple classes for different services, then management efficiency improves, but the complexity of MME selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first MME serves as a mediator that handles the complexity of service-based MME classification. It queries the HSS to obtain subscription data and determines the appropriate second MME type, thereby shielding the eNodeB from selection complexity while maintaining efficient service-specific management through multiple MME classes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the MME selection intelligence from the eNodeB and concentrates it in the first MME. The eNodeB's role is simplified to only forwarding access requests based on topology, while the first MME extracts and processes UE subscription information to make the final selection decision, reducing overall system complexity at the access layer.
3Loss of time
If eNodeB performs MME selection without subscription data, then the access process is fast, but service-specific routing fails
Solution Approach 1:
The first MME acts as an intermediary that快速获取 UE subscription data from the HSS and determines the correct second MME type. This allows the access process to remain fast at the eNodeB level while ensuring reliable service-specific routing through the first MME's subscription-based decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The first MME performs preliminary action by quickly querying the HSS for subscription data and determining the appropriate MME type before forwarding the access request. This preliminary determination ensures both fast access processing and reliable service-specific routing without adding significant delay to the overall access time.
Data Source
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AI summary
An MME reselection method and an MME are provided, so that UE can use a correct MME in time to execute an access request procedure. The method includes: receiving an access request message sent by user equipment UE, where the access request message carries identity information of the UE (801); determining, according to the identity information of the UE, a type of an MME that the UE needs to access (802); reselecting a second MME according to the type of the MME that the UE needs to access (803); and forwarding the access request message to the second MME, so that the second MME executes an access request procedure of the UE (804). The embodiments of the present invention is applicable to the field of communications technologies.