MTC-IWF Mediator for Legacy Network MTC Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile network operators face challenges in retiring legacy access networks and reallocating radio frequency spectrum to newer technologies like LTE, as existing solutions require substantial investment in new interfaces and infrastructure to support Machine-Type Communications (MTC) across different radio access technologies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that encapsulates messages between the Machine Type Communications Interworking Function (MTC-IWF) and legacy network elements using existing interfaces like SGsAP, avoiding the need for new 'T5' interfaces, and using SIP and MAP protocol encapsulations to facilitate MTC message delivery without requiring direct signaling with the Mobility Management Entity (MME).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new T5 interfaces and infrastructure are implemented to support MTC across different radio access technologies, then MTC service capability and adaptability are improved, but capital expenditure and device complexity increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMTC service capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary function (MTC-IWF) that mediates between application servers and the core network. This intermediary handles MTC message routing and protocol conversion, eliminating the need for direct T5 interfaces between network elements. The MTC-IWF acts as a mediator that simplifies the overall architecture by centralizing MTC-specific functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing network interfaces (SGsAP, MAP) multi-functional by enabling them to carry MTC messages in addition to their traditional signaling functions. The SGs interface, originally designed for SMS delivery, is enhanced to support MTC trigger handling and message routing, eliminating the need for dedicated new interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If new T5 interfaces are deployed to enable MTC message delivery, then message delivery capability is improved, but investment cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage delivery capabilityVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the functional parameters of existing interfaces rather than creating new physical interfaces. By modifying the SGsAP and MAP protocols to include MTC message types and routing capabilities, the system achieves enhanced message delivery without the manufacturing and deployment complexity of new hardware interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent reuses existing interface specifications and protocol structures (SGsAP, MAP) for MTC message delivery instead of creating entirely new interface definitions. This copying approach allows MTC messages to leverage proven, standardized interface implementations, reducing deployment complexity while maintaining reliable message delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If legacy network infrastructure is retired and spectrum reallocated to LTE, then network efficiency and service quality are improved, but service continuity for non-IMS devices may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The MTC-IWF serves as an intermediary that enables service continuity for non-IMS devices by translating MTC messages into formats compatible with legacy network elements. This mediator allows LTE networks to support MTC devices that cannot natively use IMS, maintaining service continuity during network evolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary routing decisions at the MTC-IWF based on device capability assessment. By determining in advance whether a device is IMS-capable or requires legacy interface routing, the system prepares appropriate message paths beforehand, ensuring seamless service continuity without requiring devices to actively adapt during communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10470099B2System and method for short message delivery in a mobility network

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a compatibility of the mobile station with a 3GPP IMS architecture. In response to determining that the mobile station is compatible with the 3GPP IMS architecture, a transfer is facilitated of the machine-type communication message to the mobile station via a network element of an IMS network core. In response to determining that the mobile station is not compatible with the 3GPP IMS architecture a forwarding is facilitated of the machine-type communication message to a machine-type communication interworking function associated with the mobile station, wherein the machine-type communication interworking function facilitates a directing of the machine-type communication message to the mobile station via an SGs interface of a mobility management entity of an evolved packet core of a 3GPP long term evolution network. Other embodiments are disclosed.