MME Suspend Request for PS Domain Resource Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communication systems, there is a challenge in seamlessly transitioning a User Equipment (UE) from a Packet Switching (PS) domain to a Circuit Switching (CS) domain for voice call services, leading to issues with suspending packet data services and maintaining registered states, which results in resource wastage and loss of PS session information.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus are provided where a Mobile Management Entity (MME) sends a paging message to an evolved Node B (eNB) to switch a UE to the CS domain, and upon confirmation, sends a suspend request to a gateway in the PS domain to suspend packet data services, ensuring the UE maintains a registered state and avoids unnecessary resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UE switches from PS domain to CS domain for voice call service, then voice call service is provided, but the PS domain service is not suspended leading to resource wastage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice call service continuityVSAvoidresource wastage in PS domain
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The MME sends a suspend request message to the gateway in the PS domain before or during the UE's transition to CS domain, proactively suspending packet data services to prevent resource wastage while the UE is engaged in voice call in CS domain

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The eNB sends a report message to the MME indicating that the UE has switched to CS domain, providing feedback that triggers the MME to suspend PS domain services, ensuring resource management is adjusted based on actual UE state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the UE switches from PS domain to CS domain, then voice call service is received, but the registered state in PS domain is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice call service receptionVSAvoidPS session information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The MME maintains the registered state of the UE in PS domain by sending suspend request rather than release messages, preserving session information for potential future resumption when UE returns to PS domain

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system suspends rather than releases PS domain bearers, allowing the UE to discard current PS service usage and recover the registered state information when switching back from CS domain

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If the MME sends paging message to switch UE to CS domain, then voice call service is enabled, but PS domain service continues running causing resource wastage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedomain switching capabilityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The eNB provides feedback to the MME through a report message confirming the UE has switched to CS domain, enabling the MME to subsequently suspend PS domain services and improve resource utilization based on actual network state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The MME acts as an intermediary between the eNB and the gateway in PS domain, receiving switching confirmation from eNB and coordinating the suspension of PS services at the gateway to optimize resource allocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3592036B1Methods and apparatuses for providing voice call over a circuit switched domain to a ue
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3592036B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3592036B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3592036B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for providing a voice call service to a user equipment, UE, by a mobile management entity, MME, in a mobile communication system is provided, the method comprising: sending, to a base station, a first message for paging to provide the voice call service to the UE; receiving, from the base station, a second message including a cause associated with a domain change from a packet switching, PS, domain to a circuit switching, CS, domain; and sending, to a gateway in the PS domain, a third message for requesting suspension of a bearer to provide a service for the UE.