NB-IoT Gateway Threshold Configuration for Signaling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for network connectivity from Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, particularly narrow-band IoT (NB-IoT) devices, poses challenges for network operators in managing network resources efficiently, as conventional charging and rate control mechanisms often result in excessive signaling and resource consumption, leading to adverse user experiences and revenue loss.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that applies local configurations with threshold sets at serving gateways (SGWs) and packet data network gateways (PGWs) to meter and charge only excess traffic from NB-IoT devices, avoiding unnecessary online charging sessions and Charging Data Records (CDRs), thereby optimizing network resource allocation and reducing inefficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional charging and rate control mechanisms are applied to NB-IoT devices, then network resources are allocated, but excessive signaling and resource consumption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring threshold values at the PGW and SGW before traffic occurs. These thresholds define the free traffic allowance in advance, enabling the system to automatically distinguish between free and paid traffic without requiring continuous charging system interaction for each data packet, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining efficient resource allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the traffic management function from the centralized charging system and places it at the PGW and SGW through local threshold configuration. By taking out the decision-making capability from the charging system, the patent reduces the signaling burden on online charging systems while maintaining effective network resource control
2Reliability
If online charging sessions are established for all NB-IoT traffic, then charging is ensured, but system resources are consumed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by establishing online charging sessions only for traffic exceeding the predefined threshold, rather than for all traffic. This selective approach ensures reliable charging for excess usage while avoiding unnecessary resource consumption for traffic within the free allowance, optimizing the balance between charging assurance and resource efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local threshold configuration at PGW and SGW as an intermediary mechanism between the charging system and NB-IoT devices. This intermediary enables the network to filter and prepare traffic data locally, establishing charging sessions only when necessary based on pre-configured criteria, thereby reducing overall system resource consumption
3Reliability
If traffic limits are enforced strictly, then network resources are protected, but user experience deteriorates due to dropped packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a two-tier traffic management approach with flexible threshold configuration. The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on traffic conditions and configured thresholds, allowing strict resource protection for excess traffic while maintaining smooth user experience for traffic within acceptable limits, avoiding unnecessary packet drops
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with example embodiments in order to provide methods, apparatuses, and/or systems that reduce and/or eliminate network inefficiencies caused by the traffic profile associated with narrow band Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) devices and similar devices, by applying and optimizing protocols governing the allocation of network resources to such devices. In some example implementations, a serving gateway (SGW) and/or a packet data network gateway (PGW) is locally configured with a threshold set that includes limits on the permissible traffic associated with a NB-IoT device and/or a similar device over a given unit of time. To the extent that the traffic remains within such limits, generation of charging data records (CDRs) and signaling to an online charging server may be reduced or eliminated.