RAN Access Control for Small Cell Signaling Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems lack fine-grained access control mechanisms for small cells, particularly femtocells, which results in increased signaling load on the core network and inadequate authorization capabilities, especially in WCDMA networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing access logic within the Radio Access Network (RAN) to determine and manage access authorization for user equipment, using an Access Control Database to store and retrieve authorization information, thereby granting or denying access without core network interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If core network-level access control is used for femtocells, then access authorization can be provided, but signaling load on the core network increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess authorizationVSAvoidsignaling load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The access control function is extracted from the core network and relocated to the radio access network (RNC). The RNC now performs access authorization decisions locally using authorization information from an access control database, eliminating the need for core network involvement in access control procedures and reducing signaling load on the core network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

An access control database is introduced as an intermediary component within the RNC that stores authorization information and provides it to the access control logic. This intermediary enables local access decisions without requiring core network interaction, thus reducing signaling while maintaining authorization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing access control procedures are used, then current system compatibility is maintained, but fine-grained access control for a large number of small cells is not supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine-grained access controlVSAvoidaccess control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access control mechanism is segmented into modular components: an access control database storing authorization information for specific femtocells and users, and access control logic that queries the database and makes decisions. This segmentation enables fine-grained control for individual femtocells while keeping the overall system manageable through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access control mechanism is customized for femtocells with specific local authorization requirements. The access control database stores femtocell-specific authorization information, allowing different access policies for different femtocells and users, providing fine-grained control tailored to local needs without affecting the broader network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7941144B2Access control in a mobile communication system

Publication Date: 2011.05.10 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method and radio network controller (RNC) in a radio access network (RAN) for controlling access to a cellular telecommunication system. Upon receiving an access request from a given user equipment (UE) through a given radio base station (RBS), the RNC retrieves authorization information from an access control database within the RAN. The authorization information indicates whether the given UE is authorized to access the system through the given RBS. The RNC alternatively grants access or denies access to the UE based on the retrieved authorization information. The RBS is particularly useful for controlling access through small cells with limited capacity.