Mobile Terminal Sleep State for Power Reduction and Fast Service Initiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals supporting connectivity to multiple access networks face high power consumption and delayed service activation when switching between 3GPP and non-3GPP networks, especially when QoS requirements cannot be met by non-3GPP networks, leading to inefficiencies in service initiation and increased power usage.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a 'sleep state' for mobile terminals, where the interface to one access network is powered off, but context information is maintained to speed up service activation when switching to another network, allowing service initiation to begin through the active network while resources are configured in the other network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile terminal maintains connectivity to both 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks simultaneously, then service availability and reliability are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining context information in the network before the terminal actually needs it. When the terminal is in sleep state connected only to non-3GPP network, the network pre-configures 3GPP network context information so that when service activation is needed, the terminal can quickly transition to 3GPP network without full re-attachment procedures, thus reducing both power consumption and activation time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the terminal to dynamically switch between different connectivity states: fully connected to both networks, connected only to non-3GPP network (sleep state for 3GPP), or connected only to 3GPP network. This dynamic state transition enables the terminal to adapt power consumption levels based on actual service requirements while maintaining service availability
2Reliability
If the mobile terminal switches from non-3GPP to 3GPP access network to meet QoS requirements, then service quality is improved, but service activation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring 3GPP network context information and resources before the terminal actually needs to activate service. The network prepares authentication credentials, bearer configurations, and routing information in advance, so when the terminal decides to switch to 3GPP network for QoS requirements, the activation process is significantly accelerated because the heavy configuration work has already been done
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by maintaining context information copies in the network for terminals in sleep state. Instead of requiring the terminal to re-establish all connections and re-negotiate parameters when switching networks, the network already has copied context information ready, allowing rapid service activation on the 3GPP network while meeting QoS requirements
3Reliability
If the mobile terminal performs full network attachment and registration procedures, then network connectivity and service activation are ensured, but power consumption and activation delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-configure context information and maintain readiness for terminal attachment before the terminal actually needs to activate service. This includes pre-establishing authentication credentials, bearer configurations, and routing information, so that when activation is needed, the terminal can skip lengthy registration and setup procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential context information and configuration data from the full network attachment process and maintains them separately in the network for quick retrieval. When a terminal needs to activate service, only the essential context restoration is needed rather than performing complete network attachment procedures, significantly reducing activation delay while ensuring connectivity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the initiation of a service to a mobile terminal capable of communicating via at least a first and second access network. Further, the invention relates to a reduction of power consumption of mobile terminals supporting connectivity to at least two access networks. The invention also relates to mobile communication systems and in particular to mobile communications through heterogeneous access networks. In order to prove improved method for initiating services to mobile terminals and/or to reduce power consumption of mobile terminals, the invention introduces of a sleep state that can be entered by the terminal for an access system if same is not used. Upon requesting a service from/to the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal starts service initiation through a second access system and transits back to active state for the first access system for service provision.