Network Element Signaling Optimization for Cellular Idle State

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cellular networks like GPRS, UMTS, and LTE, mobile devices in idle state require significant signaling and control messages to switch to connected state, leading to high power consumption and network overhead, limiting the number of users that can be served simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A Network Element (NE) is introduced to monitor cellular device states and respond to connection-close messages on behalf of mobile devices in idle mode, reducing the need for Radio-Resource Control (RRC) messages and state changes, thereby minimizing power consumption and network overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mobile devices switch from idle state to connected state, then communication service is provided, but power consumption increases and network signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication service availabilityVSAvoidmobile device power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network element acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the core network. When a mobile device is in idle state, the network element receives and processes connection close messages on behalf of the device, preventing unnecessary state transitions. This intermediary function allows the device to remain in low-power idle state while still maintaining proper connection management, thus reducing power consumption without compromising communication service availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network element performs preliminary actions by monitoring and handling connection close messages before the mobile device would normally need to transition to connected state. By pre-processing these messages and maintaining connection state information in the network element, the system avoids unnecessary state transitions, thereby reducing power consumption while ensuring communication services remain available when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If mobile devices switch from idle state to connected state, then communication service is provided, but network signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication service availabilityVSAvoidnetwork signaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The network element serves as an intermediary that absorbs and processes signaling messages locally. By handling connection close messages and maintaining connection state information in the network element rather than requiring direct device-network interaction, the system reduces the quantity of signaling messages transmitted over the air interface, thereby reducing network signaling overhead while maintaining communication service availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network element maintains a copy of connection state information locally. Instead of requiring the mobile device to be in connected state for the network to track connection status, the network element creates and maintains local copies of connection state data. This copying approach eliminates the need for continuous signaling between device and network for state management, reducing signaling overhead while ensuring service availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Speed

If mobile devices frequently transition between idle and connected states, then network responsiveness is improved, but the number of users that can be served simultaneously decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork responsivenessVSAvoidnumber of concurrent users

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network element performs preliminary processing of connection management messages before they reach the mobile device. By pre-handling connection close messages and maintaining connection state information, the system prepares the network state in advance, allowing rapid response when devices need to transition to connected state. This preliminary action maintains network responsiveness while reducing the frequency of actual state transitions, thereby increasing the number of concurrent users that can be served.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network element acts as an intermediary buffer between the core network and mobile devices. It maintains connection state information locally, allowing the core network to respond quickly to connection requests without requiring constant device presence in connected state. This intermediary function preserves network responsiveness while enabling more devices to remain in idle state, increasing the number of concurrent users the network can support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10397978B2Method and system for signaling optimization of IP connection over a mobile-radio network

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 FLASH NETWORKS LTD

AI summary

A technique for saving cellular resources is disclosed. The technique is implemented at an intermediate network element (NE) that is communicatively coupled between a plurality of cellular devices (CDs) via a cellular network and a plurality of servers via an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The NE is configured to transfer control packets in association with IP packets toward the CD in order to save cellular resources.