NAS Small-Data Transfer Without User-Plane Bearer Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transmitting small data over cellular networks are inefficient, particularly for machine-type communications, as they often require establishing user plane bearers, which can lead to increased network congestion and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting small data over the control plane using Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages without establishing user plane bearers, utilizing techniques such as sequence numbers, protocol discriminators, and scrambling codes to distinguish signaling and user data, and implementing congestion control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user plane bearers are established for small data transmission, then data can be transmitted reliably, but network congestion increases and resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts small data transmission from the user plane and moves it to the control plane. By using NAS messages to carry small data packets instead of establishing user plane bearers, the solution removes the harmful effect of network congestion caused by bearer establishment while maintaining transmission reliability through the control plane's inherent reliability mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane NAS messages are made multi-functional by enabling them to carry both signaling information and small user data. This allows the control plane to serve dual purposes: traditional mobility management/signaling and small data transmission, thereby eliminating the need for separate user plane bearers for small data and reducing network congestion
2Productivity
If user plane bearers are established for small data transmission, then data can be transmitted, but resource utilization increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts small data transmission from the resource-intensive user plane bearer establishment process and relocates it to the lighter-weight control plane. This extraction eliminates unnecessary resource consumption associated with bearer setup while preserving the essential data transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach where user plane bearers are established for data transmission, the patent inverts the approach by using control plane NAS messages for small data transmission. This inversion reduces resource utilization by avoiding the overhead of user plane bearer establishment while maintaining transmission capability
3Quantity of substance
If signaling and user data are transmitted over the same plane, then resource efficiency improves, but distinguishing between signaling and data becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of differentiation by introducing distinct markers to identify different types of data. Protocol discriminators act as unique identifiers that allow receiving entities to distinguish between signaling messages and user data packets transmitted over the same control plane, thereby solving the signal differentiation problem while maintaining resource efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are disclosed for enhancements to NAS Protocol 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.