Network Node RAN Context Storage and Reuse
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications networks, semi-stationary devices frequently toggling between active and inactive states or cells lead to excessive signaling due to the need for repeated re-establishment of Radio Access Network (RAN) context information, causing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method where network nodes store RAN context information when devices are no longer connected and reuse it when they return, allowing for efficient reconnection by transmitting reuse instructions when the context information is compatible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RAN context information is re-established for each reconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs preliminary actions by storing RAN context information when the wireless device is in connected state before the device transitions to idle state. This advance preparation allows the stored context to be reused during subsequent reconnections, eliminating the need for repeated context establishment signaling while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of re-establishing the original RAN context information during each reconnection, the system creates and uses a copy of the previously stored context information. The network node stores a copy of the RAN context when the device is connected, and reuses this copied information when the device reconnects, significantly reducing signaling overhead while maintaining connection integrity
2Quantity of substance
If RAN context information is stored and reused, then signaling overhead is reduced, but device adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts between storing and reusing RAN context information based on device state transitions. The network node determines whether to store context information based on current network conditions and device status, and selectively reuses stored context only when appropriate conditions are met, maintaining device adaptability while reducing signaling overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state parameter of RAN context information from transient (re-established each time) to persistent (stored and reused). By modifying this parameter, the system reduces signaling overhead while maintaining device adaptability through conditional reuse based on current network and device states
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a network node for handling a Radio Access Network, (RAN) context information of a wireless device in a cell served by the network node in a wireless communications network. The network node stores the RAN context information of the wireless device when the wireless device is no longer in a connected state in the cell. When the wireless device has returned to a connected state in the cell, the network node receives information indicating a RAN context information from the wireless device. Also, the network node transmits, to the wireless device, information indicating that the wireless device is to use the indicated RAN context information in the cell when the indicated RAN context information is such that it can be reused with the RAN context information of the wireless device previously stored by the network node. Embodiments of the network node are also described.