NB-IoT Control Plane to User Plane Switching for Signaling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 3G and 4G networks are inefficient for low-throughput data transmission due to complex evolved packet core architectures and redundant signaling in the control plane, leading to increased costs and resource waste, particularly in NB-IOT environments where sudden increases in data transmission occur.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow NB-IOT user equipment to switch from control plane transmission mode to user plane transmission mode when in an idle state, determining the need for the switch based on data packet size and initiating a service request flow to reduce signaling overhead and optimize data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If NB-IOT UE uses control plane transmission mode, then signaling overhead is reduced and network resources are saved, but transmission efficiency deteriorates when data packet size suddenly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between control plane transmission mode (for small packets) and user plane transmission mode (for large packets). The network dynamically selects the appropriate transmission mode based on packet size thresholds, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to varying data transmission requirements and resolve the contradiction between signaling efficiency and transmission productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission mode parameter based on packet size. When packet size exceeds a threshold, the system transitions from control plane mode to user plane mode. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between signaling overhead and transmission efficiency depending on the data characteristics
2Productivity
If NB-IOT UE switches from control plane mode to user plane mode during data transmission, then transmission efficiency is improved, but system complexity and conversion overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring threshold values and transmission mode parameters before data transmission occurs. The network prepares both transmission modes in advance and pre-establishes the switching criteria, so when mode switching is needed, the system can quickly transition without complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing conversion overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the network side as an intermediary that manages the mode switching decision. Rather than the UE independently making complex switching decisions, the network evaluates packet sizes and coordinates the transition, simplifying the UE's functionality and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining transmission efficiency
3Reliability
If existing 3G/4G networks are used for NB-IOT, then network coverage is maintained, but resource waste and cost increase due to complex architecture and redundant signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes redundant signaling elements from the traditional 3G/4G control plane architecture specifically for NB-IOT deployments. By taking out unnecessary network elements and simplifying the signaling procedures, the system maintains essential network coverage functionality while eliminating resource waste associated with complex architectures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a simplified, lightweight network architecture tailored for NB-IOT that uses fewer and less expensive network elements. This disposable-like approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and resource efficiency over comprehensive functionality, accepting that the simplified architecture suffices for NB-IOT requirements while reducing overall system cost and resource consumption
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and in particular to a data transmission method and apparatus, and a storage medium. The method comprises: when a user terminal using a control plane transmission mode is in an idle state, determining whether the user terminal needs to be converted from the control plane transmission mode to a user plane transmission mode; and if it is determined that the user terminal needs to be converted to the user plane transmission mode, initiating a service request process to a network side so as to convert same to the user plane transmission mode for data transmission. By means of the embodiments of the present application, when a narrow band Internet of things user using a control plane transmission mode enters an idle state, and when it is foreseen that a big data packet needs to be transmitted next, data transmission can be performed by directly converting the idle state to a user plane transmission mode, so that the conversion of a data transmission process can be reduced, thereby saving system signaling overheads, and reducing packet loss and disorder.