PS Data Off Timer Mechanism for Signaling Storm Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 3GPP PS_Data_Off feature, introduced to manage Always-On IP Connectivity in LTE networks, leads to issues such as signaling storms due to frequent reconfigurations, lack of user control over data traffic, and unexpected charging, particularly in multi-SIM devices and those with WiFi access.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a timer-based mechanism to prevent signaling storms, new AT commands, and parameters to manage PS_Data_Off configurations, allowing UE to change RAT upon triggering conditions to improve performance, reduce power consumption, and maintain service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE frequently reconfigures PS_Data_Off to maintain user control over data traffic, then user control and service adaptability are improved, but signaling storms occur and network stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a timer-based mechanism where the UE is prohibited from sending subsequent PS_Data_Off indications to the network for a predetermined period after an initial indication. This periodic restriction prevents continuous reconfiguration requests while still allowing users to control data traffic by waiting for the timer to expire, thus resolving the contradiction between user control and network stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network-side timer mechanism as an intermediary that mediates between the UE's desire to frequently reconfigure PS_Data_Off and the network's need for stability. The timer acts as a buffer that allows user control requests to be processed periodically while preventing signaling storms, thus maintaining both user control capability and network reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE sends frequent PS_Data_Off reconfiguration indications to adapt to changing network conditions, then service adaptability is improved, but signaling overhead and network resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a timer that restricts the frequency of PS_Data_Off reconfiguration indications. The UE can only send new indications after the timer expires, which reduces signaling overhead while still allowing periodic adaptation to changing network conditions and user needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reconfiguration frequency by introducing a time-based constraint. Instead of allowing unrestricted reconfiguration, the system modifies the temporal parameter of indication sending, allowing adaptability within controlled time intervals while reducing overall signaling volume
3Reliability
If the UE allows Always-On IP Connectivity to ensure continuous network access, then network availability is improved, but user control over data traffic is reduced and unexpected charging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PS_Data_Off configuration dynamic by allowing the UE to send reconfiguration indications to the network. This enables the system to transition from a static Always-On state to a dynamic state where users can control data traffic based on their needs, while the timer mechanism ensures these changes occur in a controlled manner that maintains network availability
Data Source
AI summary
Solutions are proposed to facilitate the support of 3GPP PS_Data_Off feature. The PS_Data_Off feature prevents transport via 3GPP access of all IP packets except those related to 3GPP PS_Data_Off Exempt Services. In one example, signaling storms due to frequent PS_Data_Off reconfiguration are prevented. In another example, for multi-SIM devices and for devices that supporting WiFi access, UE reconfigures the PS_Data_Off feature upon a triggering condition is satisfied. In yet another example, upon status change of PS_Data_Off feature, UE initiates RAT change to improve performance, to reduce power consumption and cost, and to maintain service continuity. Furthermore, new AT commands and parameters are introduced to enable the PS_Data_Off feature.