P-GW Multiple Access Capability Indication in EPS

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the Evolved Packet System (EPS), the lack of support for multiple access capability indication by the Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW) leads to unnecessary network resource waste and poor user experience, as user equipment (UE) initiates multiple access requests without knowing if the P-GW supports multiple access.

Innovation Solution

The P-GW sends a multiple access capability indication to the UE, indicating its support for multiple access, and the UE performs multiple access accordingly, while also sending a capability indication from the UE to the P-GW, ensuring both parties are aware of each other's capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the P-GW does not send multiple access capability indication to the UE, then the system architecture remains simple, but the UE cannot know whether the P-GW supports multiple access, leading to unnecessary multiple access requests and network resource waste

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE knowledge of P-GW multiple access supportVSAvoidP-GW signaling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The P-GW sends the multiple access capability indication to the UE in advance, during the initial attachment process, before the UE attempts to establish multiple access. This preliminary information provision allows the UE to make informed decisions about whether to initiate multiple access requests, preventing unnecessary network resource usage while maintaining clear system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UE initiates multiple access request without knowing P-GW support, then the UE can potentially utilize multiple access networks, but it causes network resource waste and poor user experience when the P-GW does not support multiple access

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE multiple access capabilityVSAvoidNetwork resource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the P-GW provides its multiple access capability status to the UE. This feedback loop enables the UE to adapt its behavior accordingly - initiating multiple access requests only when the P-GW confirms support. This resolves the contradiction by allowing UE adaptability while preventing network resource waste through informed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the P-GW always defaults to supporting multiple access, then the system maintains simplicity, but it results in unnecessary multiple access attempts and degrades network performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSystem default configurationVSAvoidNetwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the default behavior from assuming multiple access support to explicitly declaring it through capability indication. The P-GW includes its actual multiple access capability status in the capability indication message, allowing the system to operate efficiently based on real capabilities rather than incorrect defaults. This parameter change in the default assumption eliminates unnecessary multiple access attempts while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2448304B1Multiple access method and multiple access system of terminals in evolved packet system (EPS)
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 ZTE CORP
  • EP2448304B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2448304B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2448304B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention discloses a multiple access method and a multiple access system of terminal in Evolved Packet System (EPS). The multiple access method of terminal in EPS comprises the following steps that: a Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW) sends a first multiple access capability indication to a terminal, wherein the first multiple access capability indication denotes that the P-GW supports a multiple access; the terminal performs the multiple access according to the multiple access capability indication of the P-GW. The present invention avoids the waste of network resource and improves the experience of users.