RAN Paging Optimization via Recommended Cell Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks face inefficiencies in the paging mechanism, particularly in terms of radio interface and Core Network load, especially for Machine Type Communications, low-mobility, or stationary User Equipment, and RAN entities with a large number of cells, leading to increased signaling load and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves optimizing the paging process by allowing the Radio Access Network to assist the Mobility Management Entity in determining relevant eNBs and cells for paging, using UE radio capability information to minimize unnecessary signaling and focusing on cells compatible with the User Equipment's capabilities, and providing a list of 'recommended cells for paging' to reduce the number of cells paged and enhance paging success.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network pages the UE in all cells of the Tracking Areas where the UE is registered, then the UE can be reached reliably, but the paging load on the radio interface and Core Network entities increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the paging process into two phases: a first phase where paging is performed only in a subset of cells (determined by RAN assistance based on UE mobility patterns and radio capabilities), and a second phase where paging is performed in all Tracking Area cells if the first phase fails. This segmentation reduces the initial paging load while maintaining reliability through the fallback mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The RAN entity performs preliminary actions by determining the UE's mobility pattern and radio capabilities before paging occurs, and uses this information to pre-select a subset of cells for paging. This preliminary preparation enables the network to page fewer cells initially, reducing paging load while maintaining high probability of reaching the UE.
2Reliability
If the RAN entity pages the UE in all its cells when requested by the MME, then the UE can be reached, but the radio interface load increases especially for RAN entities with a large number of cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the paging behavior adaptive to local conditions: the RAN entity uses its local knowledge of the UE's mobility pattern and radio capabilities to determine which specific cells are most likely to contain the UE, rather than uniformly paging all cells. This localized approach reduces radio interface load while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the paging cell selection flexible and adaptive rather than static. The RAN entity continuously monitors UE mobility patterns and adjusts the subset of cells used for paging based on observed behavior, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and optimize radio interface load dynamically.
3Device complexity
If the MME pages the UE in all Tracking Areas without RAN assistance, then the paging procedure is simple, but the Core Network load increases and paging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the RAN entity as an intermediary between the MME and the cells. The RAN entity receives paging requests from the MME, applies its local intelligence about UE mobility patterns and radio capabilities to select the optimal subset of cells, and executes the paging. This intermediary role improves paging efficiency without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an embodiment, a Radio Access Network RAN entity, referred to as serving RAN entity, and controlling one or more cells, is configured to: - send to a Core Network CN entity, referred to as serving CN entity, a list of recommended cells for paging of a User Equipment UE in idle mode.