PGW Bearer Idle Time Measurement for Network Path Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems fail to accurately determine the operation state of multiple user data packet paths when a terminal simultaneously accesses them, leading to incorrect identification of idle states and inefficient path release.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a packet data network gateway measures idle time for each bearer or PDU session and determines if it has reached a predetermined threshold, requesting release from the processing server when necessary, without requiring changes to the radio access network specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the base station monitors packet transmission to determine operation state of user data packet paths, then the operation state can be determined, but when a terminal simultaneously accesses multiple paths, the determination becomes inaccurate and all paths are incorrectly identified as operating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the operation state monitoring function from the base station to individual packet data network gateways, with each gateway independently monitoring its own bearer paths. This segmentation allows accurate per-path idle time measurement without requiring complex coordinated monitoring across multiple paths at the base station.
Solution Approach 2:
The packet data network gateway acts as an intermediary between the base station and the processing server for idle time monitoring. The gateway measures idle time for each bearer and communicates with the processing server to request bearer release when idle time thresholds are exceeded, eliminating the need for the base station to perform complex multi-path monitoring.
2Productivity
If the base station releases user data packet paths when no packets are transmitted, then network resources are freed, but when multiple paths are simultaneously accessed, paths remain occupied unnecessarily reducing network efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary idle time measurement at the packet data network gateway before triggering bearer release. By continuously monitoring idle time and comparing it against thresholds in advance, the system ensures that bearers are released only when truly idle, preventing premature release while multiple paths are actively used and ensuring timely release when paths are no longer needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The packet data network gateway provides feedback to the processing server regarding idle time status for each bearer. This feedback mechanism enables the processing server to make informed decisions about bearer release based on actual usage patterns, improving both the accuracy of path release and overall network resource utilization.
Data Source
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Figure 2(a)~2(c)
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AI summary
In a communication system in which a plurality of bearers are set up between UE and one or more PGWs, a PGW measures an idle time for each bearer and determines whether or not the measured idle time has reached an idle timer threshold value which is determined in advance for each of the plurality of bearers (Step 1). Then, when it is determined that the idle time for one bearer, for example, bearer 2, has reached the idle timer threshold value (Step 2), a PGW2 requests an MME to release bearer 2 via an SGW2 (Steps 3 and 4), and the MME performs a process of releasing bearer 2 in response to the request (Step 5 and the like).