NAS Signaling Release Timing for Faster Radio Resource Reallocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular wireless networks face inefficiencies in network signaling load and resource allocation due to prolonged connection times and mismatched security capabilities, leading to delayed user experiences and increased resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing proactive local connection release mechanisms at the wireless device, such as initiating a connection release timer or immediately releasing NAS signaling connections when no longer needed, and updating security capabilities with the network to align with changes, thereby reducing network signaling load and optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the wireless device waits for the network to release the NAS signaling connection after upper layer signaling is complete, then the network can control connection release timing, but the connection remains occupied for an indeterminate time period preventing rapid resource reallocation
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless device proactively initiates a connection release timer after upper layer signaling is complete, performing the action before the network would naturally release the connection. This preliminary action ensures the connection is released promptly without waiting for network-initiated release, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining network awareness through proper timer initialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless device takes self-service action by independently managing the connection release timer without requiring continuous network control. The device monitors its own signaling state and autonomously triggers connection release when appropriate, eliminating dependency on network timing while still following network protocols.
2Productivity
If the wireless device uses standardized connection release timer duration, then compliance with network protocols is maintained, but radio resources cannot be released as quickly as needed
Solution Approach 1:
The connection release timer duration is made dynamic rather than fixed. The device adjusts the timer duration based on actual signaling conditions and network requirements, allowing faster release when possible while maintaining protocol compliance. This dynamic adjustment increases radio resource availability without requiring complex custom timers for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer duration parameter is changed from a fixed standardized value to an adjustable parameter. The device modifies this parameter based on the specific signaling context, such as whether the connection was established for NAS signaling only or for data transmission, thereby optimizing release timing without fundamentally changing the protocol structure.
3Loss of time
If the wireless device immediately releases NAS signaling connection after upper layer signaling, then radio resources are conserved rapidly, but the connection release may occur before network is ready causing signaling errors
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by initiating the connection release timer immediately after upper layer signaling completes, before the network has a chance to initiate its own release procedure. This preliminary timer initiation ensures the connection will be released promptly while the device continues to monitor network readiness, balancing speed with reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless device uses feedback from the network's signaling state to adjust the connection release timing. By monitoring whether the network has acknowledged the upper layer signaling and is ready for connection release, the device can reliably determine the optimal moment to release the NAS signaling connection, preventing premature release errors while maintaining rapid resource conservation.
4Reliability
If the wireless device sends TAU procedure to update EPS bearer status, then network is informed of connection state changes, but additional signaling messages and processing time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the EPS bearer status update with the existing TAU (Tracking Area Update) procedure. Instead of sending a separate dedicated message to update the bearer status, the device incorporates this information into the TAU request message, thereby achieving network awareness of connection state changes without requiring additional standalone signaling messages and reducing overall procedure duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The TAU procedure is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it continues to perform the traditional tracking area update function while simultaneously serving as the vehicle for updating EPS bearer status information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated signaling messages, reducing signaling overhead and processing time while maintaining complete network awareness.
Data Source
AI summary
This application regards optimization of non-access stratum signaling between a wireless device and a cellular wireless network to reduce network signaling load, conserve local access radio resources, and enhance the user experience of the wireless device. The wireless device proactively releases a packet data network (PDN) connection locally at the wireless device and marks a corresponding radio bearer inactive in a tracking area update request sent to the cellular wireless network to shorten time to complete the PDN connection, reducing network signaling load and freeing up access network resources. The wireless device also proactively releases a NAS signaling connection locally without waiting for a cellular wireless network disconnection when the NAS signaling connection is no longer required by the active subscriber identity module (SIM) of the wireless device, thereby allowing resources to be reallocated if needed to another SIM of the wireless device.