MTC Device RRC Connection Management via NAS Preference Indication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing RRC connections in Machine-Type Communications (MTC) devices are inefficient, leading to premature release or unnecessary maintenance of connections, resulting in wasteful use of network resources, especially in small data transmissions.
Innovation Solution
MTC devices provide assistance information to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and base station regarding expected communications, allowing for more informed decisions on connection release, including immediate release, maintenance for response data, or user-plane establishment, using NAS signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the base station releases the RRC connection upon expiry of the user inactivity timer, then the network resources are freed for other uses, but the connection may be released prematurely before the MTC device completes small data transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism where the MTC device sends a preference indication to the base station via NAS signaling. This preference indication acts as a mediator that communicates the device's communication needs to the network, allowing the base station to make informed decisions about connection release timing. The base station uses this preference information to delay or prevent premature connection release, ensuring the MTC device can complete its small data transmissions while optimizing network resource utilization.
2Speed
If the RRC connection is maintained for potential future communications, then the MTC device can quickly resume communications, but network resources are wasted when the connection is not actively used
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a dynamic connection management approach where the base station adjusts the RRC connection state based on real-time preference indications from the MTC device. Instead of maintaining a static connection state, the system dynamically transitions between connected and idle states according to the device's actual communication needs. This allows the connection to be maintained only when necessary for quick resumption, while freeing resources during periods of inactivity, thus resolving the contradiction between communication speed and resource efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the base station autonomously decides on connection release without device input, then the connection management is simplified, but the device's specific communication needs are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the MTC device to self-serve by autonomously generating and transmitting preference indications that reflect its own communication needs. The device monitors its own data transmission state and actively communicates this information to the base station through NAS signaling. This self-service mechanism allows the device to influence connection management decisions without requiring complex network-side analysis of device-specific needs, thus maintaining simplicity while improving adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system (1) is disclosed in which a network entity determines whether a radio bearer should be maintained or released for a communications device (2). The communications device (2) establishes the radio bearer via a base station (5) of the communications system (1) and communicates data using the established radio bearer. The communications device (2) determines whether any further data is to be sent or received and/or whether a user-plane connection is required. The communications device (2) then provides information to the network entity identifying a result of said determination for use in determining whether the radio bearer should be maintained or released.