N2 UE Notification Signaling Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UE reachability procedures generate excess signaling due to suboptimal reporting types in the N2 UE notification procedure, and there is no procedure between AMF and RAN on the N2 interface to put a UE in CM-CONNECTED state without downlink data or signaling.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reporting type value like 'RRC-Connected state notification' and an 'Enable Reachability indicator' in the N2 UE notification procedure to facilitate optimized UE reachability, allowing the AMF to request RAN paging and reporting of UE state transitions without downlink data, and enabling immediate UE reachability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the N2 UE notification procedure uses suboptimal reporting types to request RAN report RRC state information, then the AMF can obtain UE state information, but excess signaling is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new reporting type parameter value (e.g., 'RRC-Connected state notification') in the N2 UE notification procedure to change how RAN reports UE state information. This parameter change enables the AMF to obtain UE state information more efficiently by specifying exactly which state transitions should be reported, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling while ensuring required information is received.
2Adaptability or versatility
If there is no N2 interface procedure between AMF and RAN to put UE in CM-CONNECTED state without downlink data, then the system maintains simplicity, but the AMF cannot request RAN paging and reporting without downlink data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the existing N2 UE notification procedure to serve multiple functions: it can both report RRC state information and enable UE reachability procedures without downlink data. By making the procedure multi-functional through the use of reporting type parameters and enable indicators, the system gains the capability to put UE in CM-CONNECTED state for reachability purposes without adding a completely new complex procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an 'Enable Reachability indicator' that can be set in advance in the N2 notification request. This preliminary action allows the AMF to pre-configure the RAN to page the UE and report state transitions even before downlink data arrives, enabling efficient reachability procedures while maintaining system simplicity.
3Loss of information
If continuous reporting of all RRC state transitions is enabled by operator configuration, then complete state information is available, but unnecessary notifications increase signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the reporting behavior specific to different UE states and transition types. Instead of uniform continuous reporting, the system uses reporting type parameters to specify which particular state transitions should be reported (e.g., only RRC-Connected state notifications). This localized approach ensures required information is captured while avoiding unnecessary notifications and reducing signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a method for providing state information regarding a user equipment, UE, performed by a radio access node, RAN, and an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, respectively. Embodiments here in relate also to a RAN and an AMF configured to perform a method for providing state information regarding a UE.