Multi-Layer Tracking Area Code Assignment for Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for configuring tracking areas in wireless communication networks face challenges in balancing paging signaling and tracking area update signaling, leading to inefficiencies and increased network signaling overhead, especially when deploying short-range access nodes alongside standard access nodes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer tracking area code assignment methodology is implemented, where available tracking area codes are allocated to standard access nodes first, with the remaining codes dynamically assigned to short-range access nodes based on monitored signaling loads, optimizing the geographical tracking area boundaries and coverage areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If tracking area is made large to reduce TAU messages, then network signaling overhead from TAU is reduced, but paging operations generate substantial network signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking area into multiple layers by introducing short-range access nodes (femto cells, pico cells) within the coverage area of standard access nodes. This creates a hierarchical structure where the first layer consists of standard access nodes and the second layer consists of short-range access nodes. Each layer can be independently configured with tracking area codes, allowing the network to reduce paging overhead by confining paging operations to smaller second-layer areas while maintaining larger first-layer tracking areas to reduce TAU frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to tracking area management by deploying short-range access nodes in specific geographical locations within the coverage area of standard access nodes. This creates a multi-dimensional tracking area structure where tracking area codes are assigned based on both the standard access node coverage area and the specific location of short-range access nodes, enabling more granular control over paging and TAU operations.
2Quantity of substance
If tracking area is made small to reduce paging overhead, then network signaling overhead from paging is reduced, but wireless devices send TAU messages more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking area management into two hierarchical layers. The first layer (standard access nodes) uses larger tracking areas to reduce TAU frequency, while the second layer (short-range access nodes) uses smaller tracking areas to reduce paging overhead. This segmentation allows the network to optimize for different objectives in different spatial scopes simultaneously.
3Productivity
If more tracking area codes are assigned to short-range access nodes to optimize coverage, then network development efficiency is improved, but available tracking area codes are exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments tracking area code allocation into hierarchical layers, allowing standard access nodes and short-range access nodes to operate with independent tracking area code assignments. This enables efficient use of the limited tracking area code space by assigning codes at appropriate hierarchical levels rather than requiring unique codes for every access node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes tracking area codes universal across hierarchical layers by allowing the same tracking area code to be assigned to both standard access nodes (first layer) and short-range access nodes (second layer). This multi-functionality of tracking area codes enables scalable network deployment without exhausting the limited code space.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining a multi-layer tracking area code assignment in a wireless communication network are disclosed. A controller node is configured assign a first code to a first group of access nodes located in a geographic area. A signal load of updates for the first group of access nodes is monitored by the communication network. The controller node determines a set of criteria for assigning a second code to at least one access node in a second group of access nodes. The second group of access nodes are located in the same geographic area as the first group of access nodes. The controller node assigns the second code to the at least one access node for a predetermined period of time.