MTC Device Triggering via Communication Window Detection
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an efficient way to trigger Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices that are in an unattached state, as they do not determine the time control information necessary for triggering, leading to network overload and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a Serving General Packet Radio Service Support Node (SGSN)/Mobility Management Entity (MME) receives a trigger from an MTC InterWorking Function (MTC-IWF), determines if the MTC device is unattached and in a communication window, and sends a trigger when the device attaches before the window expires, or reports failure if it does not, allowing for subsequent SMS triggering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the network triggers all MTC devices simultaneously, then data collection efficiency is improved, but network overload and paralysis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing MTC device triggering into different time windows. The network controller determines communication windows for MTC devices based on subscription information and local operator strategies, allowing devices to be triggered in periodic batches rather than simultaneously. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining data collection efficiency through systematic triggering while preventing network overload through time-based distribution.
2Productivity
If the network determines time control information for unattached MTC devices, then trigger efficiency is improved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining time control information for unattached MTC devices before triggering operations. The network controller stores communication window information for unattached devices in advance, so when triggering is needed, the controller can directly check whether the device is within its communication window without complex real-time negotiations. This resolves the contradiction by improving trigger efficiency through advance preparation while managing signaling complexity through streamlined lookup procedures.
3Loss of energy
If the MTC device remains in unattached state, then network resource consumption is reduced, but triggering capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network controller maintains time control information for unattached MTC devices without requiring full attachment. The controller acts as an intermediary that can store and manage communication window information for unattached devices, enabling triggering capability to be preserved through SMS or other signaling methods while devices remain in low-power unattached states. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining triggering capability through the intermediary controller while minimizing network resource consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure discloses a method for triggering a Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, where an SGSN/MME receives a trigger from an MTC-IWF, and determines that the MTC device is in an unattached state and the MTC device is in a communication window of the MTC device; when the MTC device gets attached to the network before expiration of the communication window, the SGSN/MME sends the trigger to the MTC device; or when the MTC device fails to get attached to the network before expiration of the communication window, the SGSN/MME sends a trigger transmission report to the MTC-IWF, such that the MTC-IWF saves the trigger by sending the trigger to an SMS-SC, and forwards the trigger transmission report to an MTC server initiating the trigger. The disclosure further discloses a system for triggering an MTC device corresponding to the method. With the disclosure, an MTC device in an unattached state can be triggered.