Network Node Processing Power Measurement via Signaling Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network node dimensioning and pricing models are inflexible and based on 'typical user equipment' traffic models, which are inadequate for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices with diverse communication behaviors, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs for M2M communication infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for measuring processing power in network nodes using signaling load values, allowing for flexible dimensioning and pricing that decouples memory and processing resources, enabling tailored configurations for different usage patterns and behaviors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If network nodes are dimensioned based on typical user equipment traffic models, then infrastructure costs are reduced through standardization, but the system cannot accommodate diverse M2M communication patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure costVSAvoidaccommodation of diverse communication patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the dimensioning parameters into separate categories: memory resources (number of simultaneously registered user equipment and connections) and processing resources (signaling load). This allows independent dimensioning of each resource type, enabling flexible accommodation of diverse M2M communication patterns while maintaining cost efficiency through standardized infrastructure components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If network nodes are dimensioned for high processing power to handle diverse M2M traffic, then communication pattern flexibility is improved, but infrastructure costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication pattern flexibilityVSAvoidinfrastructure cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the dimensioning parameters from traditional unified metrics to separate memory and processing resource metrics. By introducing signaling load as a distinct processing resource parameter and simultaneously registered user equipment as a memory resource parameter, the system achieves flexible accommodation of diverse M2M patterns without requiring excessive processing power across all nodes, thereby controlling infrastructure costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If signaling load values are measured and used for dimensioning, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but measurement and implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement and implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces signaling load values as an intermediary metric that translates complex processing requirements into a measurable and manageable parameter. This intermediary enables efficient resource utilization by providing a quantifiable measure of processing demand, while keeping implementation complexity manageable through standardized measurement procedures and integration with existing network monitoring mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9143948B2Method and node for measuring processing power in a node in a communications network

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The embodiments herein relate to a method in a first network node for measuring processing power in a second network node in a communications network. The first network node obtains a signaling load value associated with a procedure, which procedure is triggered by a message. Based on the obtained signaling load value, the first network node measures the processing power of the second network node.