Mobility Management Node Small Data Communication Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP LTE/EPC networks are resource-intensive and costly for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices, leading to unnecessary resource allocation and misuse of low-priced subscriptions for other purposes, which hampers the adoption of these networks in constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Messaging Control Function (MCF) in the mobility management node to identify and restrict communication functionalities of M2M devices, optimizing resource usage by disabling or limiting services based on predetermined small data communication profiles, thereby preventing misuse and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LTE/EPC networks are used for M2M devices, then mobile communication services are provided, but system resources are unnecessarily consumed and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments M2M devices into different categories (messaging category vs. other categories) based on their communication patterns and resource requirements. The mobility management node applies different handling procedures to each category, allowing optimized resource allocation for messaging devices while maintaining full service capability for other devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of service activation by introducing a category indication parameter in the attach request. Based on this parameter, the mobility management node changes the state of network resources (activating or deactivating default bearers and PDN connections) to match the actual needs of different device categories.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full communication functionality is provided to M2M devices, then service versatility is improved, but subscription misuse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of M2M devices into categories during the attach procedure, before any data transmission occurs. The mobility management node evaluates the category indication parameter and pre-determines the appropriate service configuration, preventing misuse by restricting non-messaging devices from using low-priced messaging subscriptions.
3Reliability
If resource-intensive LTE/EPC procedures are used for small data communications, then connection reliability is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing only the necessary communication functionality for messaging devices without activating full LTE/EPC procedures. For messaging category devices, the patent activates only the minimum required resources (or none, depending on configuration), avoiding the overhead of full default bearer and PDN connection establishment while maintaining sufficient connectivity for small data transmissions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards a mobility management node (e.g., MME, SGSN or S4-SGSN), and corresponding methods therein, for managing at least one communications functionality of a device configured for small data communications. Such management may lead to a restriction on services or functions available to the device, thereby avoiding unnecessary utilization of network resources.