NAS Signaling for Small Data Without User Plane Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in transmitting small data over the control plane without establishing a user plane connection, particularly in Machine-Type Communications (MTC) and Cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) scenarios, where infrequent small data transmissions occur.
Innovation Solution
Enhancements to the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol allow for transmitting small data over the signaling plane by establishing a control plane connection without setting up a user plane bearer, using security-protected NAS messages with sequence numbers and priority handling to manage data transmission rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a user plane connection is established for data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but connection establishment complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts user data transmission from the user plane and relocates it to the control plane (NAS signaling messages). This allows small data transmissions to occur without establishing a separate user plane connection, thereby reducing connection establishment complexity and overhead while maintaining data transmission capability through control plane utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane (NAS signaling messages) is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional signaling information and user data. This universality allows the control plane to serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate user plane connections for small data transmissions and thus reducing overall system complexity
2Device complexity
If control plane is used for small data transmission, then connection overhead is reduced, but transmission rate control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network device monitors control plane utilization and adjusts maximum transmission rate parameters accordingly. This feedback loop enables dynamic transmission rate control to prevent control plane congestion while maintaining the overhead benefits of control plane usage for small data transmissions
Solution Approach 2:
The maximum transmission rate parameter is made dynamic rather than static, allowing it to adjust based on network conditions and control plane availability. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to optimize transmission rates in real-time while maintaining the low overhead advantage of control plane data transmission
3Adaptability or versatility
If maximum transmission rate is dynamically adjusted, then network adaptability is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the maximum transmission rate from a fixed parameter to a dynamically adjustable parameter based on network conditions. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to varying network loads and conditions, improving network adaptability while the changes are implemented through standardized protocol extensions that minimize added complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Enhancements to a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) Protocol may be provided, for example, to transmit user data over a signaling plane. A wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU) may send a first NAS message to a network device that may include a request to send user data via a control plane. The network device may establish the control plane for the WTRU. The control plane may be established without establishing a user plane connection. The network device may determine a maximum transmission rate for the WTRU to send user data via the control plane. The network device may send a second NAS message to the WTRU. The second NAS message may indicate that the control plane has been established for the WTRU and the maximum transmission rate.