Relay Node Network Attachment via Dynamic MME Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for network attachment of Relay Nodes (RN) in LTE systems are inflexible and cannot ensure smooth attachment, especially in dynamic or emergency scenarios where pre-configuration may fail due to changing network parameters or deployment sites.

Innovation Solution

The RN sends indication information during the RRC connection setup, allowing the DeNB to select a suitable MME based on the RN's capabilities, enabling flexible and rapid network attachment without pre-configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pre-configuration method is used to select DeNB and MME for RN, then network attachment can be established, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic network parameters or emergency deployment scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to dynamic network parametersVSAvoidreliability of network attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static pre-configuration approach into a dynamic selection mechanism. The RN determines its own P-TMSI and uses it to select DeNB and MME based on current network conditions rather than relying on pre-configured fixed parameters, enabling adaptation to dynamic network environments while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the selection parameters from static pre-configured DeNB lists to dynamic parameters including P-TMSI, current cell ID, and network load conditions. This parameter transformation allows the system to adapt to changing network states while ensuring reliable attachment through structured selection criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If pre-configuration of DeNB list is used, then network attachment can be established, but the attachment process becomes slow and inconvenient in emergency scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of network attachmentVSAvoidconvenience of network attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the RN to autonomously determine its P-TMSI and select appropriate DeNB and MME without requiring network operator intervention or pre-configuration management. This self-service mechanism accelerates the attachment process significantly, allowing emergency deployment within seconds while maintaining operational simplicity through automated procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If RN uses pre-configured DeNB information, then attachment can be established, but the RN cannot attach to networks with changed parameters or new deployment sites

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to attach to different networksVSAvoidloss of pre-configured information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary determination of P-TMSI and selection of DeNB/MME at the moment of network attachment rather than relying on pre-configured information. This timing shift allows the RN to have the necessary selection information ready when needed, eliminating dependency on pre-configuration while maintaining efficient attachment capability across different networks and deployment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2574110B1Method and system for network accessing of relay node
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 ZTE CORP
  • EP2574110B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2574110B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The disclosure discloses a method and a system for implementing network attach of a Relay Node (RN). The method includes: the RN carries indication information of the RN in a message to be sent to a Donor eNodeB (DeNB) during an initial attach process, and the DeNB selects a Mobility Management Entity (MME) supporting the RN functionality for the RN according to the indication information of the RN. The disclosure makes minor changes to protocol and can make the RN smoothly attach a network to work.