RAN Paging Area Optimization for Signaling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications networks, particularly in LTE networks, the current paging methods are inefficient as they often send paging messages to multiple cells, resulting in significant signaling burden and reduced probability of successfully reaching idle user equipment (UE) due to lack of precise location information, leading to excessive messaging and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method where the radio access network (RAN) element generates a select paging area based on RAN information, such as the last serving cell and UE-specific data, and sends this area to the core network, allowing targeted paging messages to be sent only to specific cells, reducing the signaling burden and increasing the likelihood of successful UE capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paging messages are sent to multiple cells to ensure UE is reached, then the probability of successfully paging the UE is improved, but the signaling burden and network resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the paging approach for different UEs based on their specific characteristics. The network identifies UEs that are likely to be in coverage (e.g., based on recent activity patterns, signal strength history, or subscription information) and sends targeted paging messages only to those specific cells where the UE is most likely to be found, rather than broadcasting to all cells. This localized approach maintains high paging success probability for covered UEs while significantly reducing signaling burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the paging process into two distinct phases: (1) a targeted initial paging phase where paging messages are sent only to a selected subset of cells based on UE characteristics and network predictions, and (2) a fallback blanket paging phase where messages are sent to all cells if the initial targeted paging fails. This segmentation allows the system to optimize resource usage by attempting the efficient targeted approach first, while maintaining reliability through the comprehensive fallback option.
2Reliability
If paging messages are sent to all cells to ensure coverage, then the completeness of paging coverage is improved, but the signaling overhead and message quantity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing predictive analysis and UE characterization before the actual paging operation. The network pre-identifies which cells are most likely to contain the UE based on historical data, signal strength patterns, mobility patterns, and subscription information. This preliminary preparation enables the network to construct an optimized paging message set that targets only the most probable cells, significantly reducing the total number of paging messages needed while maintaining comprehensive coverage for UEs in coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of paging message distribution from a uniform approach (sending to all cells) to a variable approach (sending to selected cells based on UE-specific parameters). The system adjusts the paging strategy dynamically based on parameters such as UE mobility pattern, signal strength history, cell coverage characteristics, and network load conditions. This parameter-driven approach allows the network to adapt the paging message quantity and distribution to match the actual likelihood of UE presence in different cells.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of facilitating paging in a wireless communications network ( 100) includes generating, at a radio access network (RAN) element ( 120) of the communications network, a select paging area for a UE ( 150) which is improved or optimized by taking RAN and UE specific information into account, the select paging area including information indicating one or more cells from among cells of the communications network to which paging messages are to be sent when paging the UE; and sending the select paging area from the RAN element to a core network (CN) element ( 140) of the communications network.