RAN Usage Tracking Interface for IoT Resource Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile service plans inadequately track data usage for IoT devices, leading to unnecessary data charges for customers and disproportionate network resource burdens, as they often engage in infrequent, small-data transactions that are not well-suited to traditional data-based plans.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network architecture and interface that allows for tracking and controlling IoT devices based on radio access network (RAN) utilization, such as the number of RAN attachments and total RAN attachment duration, through a usage-tracking server that communicates with the access and mobility management function (AMF) via a dedicated interface, enabling radio-connectivity-based charging and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional data-based service plans are used for IoT devices, then data usage tracking is simple, but IoT devices incur unnecessary data charges and burden network resources due to infrequent small-data transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the tracking parameter from data volume to radio resource utilization metrics (number of RAN attachments and total attachment duration). This allows service providers to accurately measure and charge for the actual radio resources consumed by IoT devices, rather than tracking small data transactions that burden the network.
2Loss of information
If data usage tracking is implemented for IoT devices, then customer charges can be calculated, but the tracking becomes complex and does not reflect actual network resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking of radio resource utilization (number of attachments and total duration) from the complex data usage tracking system. By focusing only on these specific radio access network metrics, the system achieves accurate reflection of network resource consumption without the complexity of tracking every small data transaction.
3Measurement precision
If radio access network utilization tracking is implemented, then accurate resource monitoring is achieved, but system complexity increases due to new interfaces and tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a usage-tracking server as an intermediary component that collects radio resource utilization data from the access and mobility management function and processes it according to service plans. This mediator handles the complexity of tracking and calculation, allowing the core network elements to remain relatively simple while achieving precise measurement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If IoT devices are allowed unlimited connections, then device functionality is maintained, but network resources are excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of IoT device connections based on their radio resource utilization against service plan limits. The system allows devices to connect freely within their allocated resources (number of attachments and duration), but automatically controls or blocks connections when limits are exceeded, creating a dynamic balance between device functionality and network resource protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for performing RAN-usage-based tracking in a wireless core network. The method includes obtaining a plan code for a communication device connecting to a radio access network (RAN); associating, based on the plan code, the communication device with a RAN-usage-based plan; and reporting, after the associating, a tracking instance of RAN usage by the communication device.