MTC-IWF Triggering Multiple Device Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks are not optimized for machine-to-machine (MTC) communication, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, particularly in triggering multiple MTC devices that belong to different groups simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a machine type communication-interworking function entity (MTC-IWF) to receive indication information for triggering multiple MTC devices, determining their group affiliation, and forwarding trigger information through a core network device to access network devices, enabling simultaneous triggering of MTC devices across different groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile communication network uses existing H2H communication mode, then the network structure is simple and easy to maintain, but the network cannot effectively support MTC communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the existing mobile communication network to serve dual purposes: traditional H2H communication and MTC communication. The network nodes (MME, SGSN, MGW) are designed to handle both communication types using the same infrastructure, thereby supporting MTC requirements without building a completely separate network architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the MTC server interacts with network nodes through standardized interfaces (Tsp, T4, T5). This intermediary layer allows MTC services to be integrated into the existing network without requiring fundamental changes to the core network structure, thus maintaining simplicity while enabling new capabilities.
2Productivity
If the network triggers MTC devices individually through control plane signalling, then the trigger information can be delivered reliably, but the network resource consumption increases and triggering multiple devices becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the triggering process for multiple MTC devices by allowing the network to send trigger information to a single device (e.g., via SMS) that can then forward it to multiple target devices. This combining approach reduces the number of individual triggering operations required, thereby improving productivity while reducing network resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having the network perform triggering only when necessary and by allowing selective triggering of devices based on their group affiliation. The system can choose to trigger devices in batches or individually depending on the scenario requirements, optimizing resource usage while maintaining effective communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network supports MTC devices from different groups, then the service coverage is expanded, but the network complexity and operation maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments MTC devices into different groups (e.g., first MTC group, second MTC group) based on their service requirements and locations. Each group can be managed separately through the network nodes, allowing the system to handle diverse device types and service scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the trigger information to differentiate between device groups. By modifying parameters such as destination address, routing information, or message routing indicators, the network can direct trigger information to different device groups without changing the fundamental network architecture or management procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a method for processing triggering information of Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices. The method includes: an MTC-IWF receiving indication information sent by an MTC server, wherein the indication information is used for triggering multiple MTC devices at a same time; the MTC-IWF determining that at least two of the multiple MTC devices belong to different MTC groups; and the MTC-IWF forwarding triggering information to the multiple MTC devices. Through the technical solution, multiple MTC devices not belonging to the same MTC group can be triggered, thereby improving the efficiency of triggering the MTC devices.