RRC Anchor Node Architecture for Low-Signaling Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid increase in signaling load of the core network due to frequent switching of serving nodes and paging messages in wireless communications systems with densely deployed base stations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a radio resource control (RRC) connection and reconnection method and apparatus that includes a sending unit, receiving unit, and message generation unit on both serving nodes and anchor nodes to optimize the RRC connection process, reducing the need for excessive signaling by using RRC connection establishment and reestablishment messages with specific indication information and packet data processing units to manage RRC messages efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If base stations are densely deployed to increase system capacity, then the system capacity is improved, but the signaling load of the core network increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base station functionality into serving nodes and anchor nodes. Serving nodes handle user plane data transmission while anchor nodes handle control plane signaling with the MME. This segmentation allows multiple serving nodes to share a common anchor node, reducing redundant signaling to the core network while maintaining system capacity through dense deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor node acts as an intermediary between serving nodes and the MME. Instead of each serving node directly signaling with the MME, the anchor node mediates these communications. This intermediary role consolidates signaling paths and reduces the overall signaling load on the core network while preserving the ability to support densely deployed base stations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If serving node switching is performed frequently to support UE mobility, then the mobility service is improved, but the signaling load increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
By separating serving node functions from anchor node functions, the patent enables serving node switching without requiring anchor node switching. The anchor node maintains the S1 connection with the MME while serving nodes can be changed freely to support UE mobility, thereby reducing signaling load associated with frequent serving node switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor node serves as a stable intermediary that maintains the control plane connection with the MME even when serving nodes change. This allows serving node switching to occur without triggering full S1 connection re-establishment signaling with the core network, reducing signaling load while maintaining mobility support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If paging messages are sent to all base stations in a tracking area, then the paging coverage is improved, but the signaling load of the core network increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor node acts as an intermediary for paging message distribution. Instead of the MME sending paging messages to all base stations individually, the MME sends paging messages to anchor nodes, which then distribute them to their associated serving nodes. This intermediary approach maintains comprehensive paging coverage while significantly reducing the number of direct signaling messages to the core network.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an RRC connection method and a serving node. In the embodiments, an RRC connection is established between an anchor node and UE. Therefore, when an serving node of the UE is switched, a connection between an MME and the anchor node does not change. When the MME needs to send a paging message, the MME does not need to send the paging message to all base stations in a TA area that corresponds to the paging message, thereby effectively reducing signaling load of a core network.