MTC Subscription Control via Feature Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subscription data management systems for machine-type communication (MTC) do not effectively manage subscription information that includes MTC Features, leading to unclear procedures for service and feature availability in mobile networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing subscription information for MTC Devices, which involves a processor assessing supported MTC Features and their interactions, determining relevant subscription data, and sending this information to serving nodes within the network, ensuring only supported features are enabled and conflicts are resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing subscription data management procedures (S6a, S6d, Gr, D interfaces) are used for MTC, then traditional mobile service subscription can be managed, but MTC Feature subscription information cannot be effectively managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments subscription information into two distinct parts: traditional mobile service subscription data and MTC Feature subscription data. This segmentation allows existing management procedures to handle traditional services while new procedures manage MTC Features, resolving the contradiction between maintaining existing systems and adapting to new requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (new subscription control procedures) that bridges existing subscription data management systems and MTC Feature requirements. This intermediary layer enables MTC Feature subscription information to be managed without disrupting existing traditional service management procedures.
2Ease of operation
If all subscribed MTC Features are considered essential and mandatory, then service control can be simplified, but network attachment is rejected when features are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of MTC Feature importance from binary (essential/mandatory) to a spectrum including optional features. This allows the system to distinguish between essential features that must be supported for attachment and optional features that can be negotiated, resolving the contradiction between simplified control and reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic feature support indication mechanisms where MTC Devices can indicate which optional MTC Features they support. This dynamic approach allows flexible attachment decisions based on actual feature support rather than rigid mandatory requirements, maintaining both simplicity and reliability.
3Loss of information
If MTC Feature subscription information is added to existing procedures, then comprehensive subscription management is achieved, but information element specifications and message exchanges are not defined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines MTC Feature Information Elements and message exchange procedures in advance, before actual MTC deployment. This preliminary definition ensures comprehensive subscription information management is achieved while providing clear, pre-specified procedures rather than ad-hoc definitions, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs MTC Feature Information Elements with universal structures that can accommodate multiple MTC Feature types. This universal approach allows comprehensive information management through standardized definitions rather than separate definitions for each feature, reducing procedure complexity while maintaining completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is configured to operate as a subscriber server. The apparatus comprises a memory for storing the subscription information of one or more Machine Type Communications, MTC, subscribers, the subscription information of a MTC subscriber including one or more MTC Features and information regarding the MTC subscriber's subscribed services, a processor for assessing which of the one or more subscribed MTC Features are supported, assessing any interaction that may occur between each of the supported subscribed MTC Features and between each of the supported subscribed MTC Features and the subscribed services, and determining the subscription information that should be sent to the serving node based on the outcome of the assessments, and a transmitter for sending the determined subscription information to the serving node.