Service Network Element MME Association via UE Message
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for establishing association between service network elements and the Mobility Management Entity (MME) in the Evolved Packet System (EPS) network require modifications and upgrades to non-related network elements, such as the Policy Control and Charging (PCC) mechanism, leading to high design, implementation, operating, and risk costs.
Innovation Solution
A method where the service network element receives and acquires information about the currently serving MME from a message sent by the User Equipment (UE), allowing it to establish association without modifying unrelated network elements, and updates this information when changes occur, using mechanisms like information transmission among MMEs or triggering new registration flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the service network element establishes association with MME by modifying non-related network elements (such as PCC mechanism), then the association can be established, but the design cost, implementation cost, operating cost, and risk cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the MME information acquisition function from the service network element and relocates it to the UE. The UE now includes MME information in uplink messages, eliminating the need for service network elements to modify non-related network elements like PCC mechanism. This resolves the contradiction by removing the complex modification requirement while maintaining reliable association establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE acts as an intermediary that carries MME information from the MME to the service network element. Instead of direct modification between MME and service network element, the UE mediates the information transfer by including MME information in uplink messages, thereby establishing association without requiring service network elements to modify other network elements.
2Ease of manufacture
If the service network element acquires MME information from UE messages, then the association is established without modifying non-related network elements, but additional message processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the MME information with existing uplink messages that UE already sends to service network elements. Instead of creating separate signaling messages or modifying multiple network elements, the MME information is combined with routine uplink traffic, reducing overall system complexity while enabling easy deployment without modifying non-related network elements.
3Reliability
If MME information is updated when changes occur, then the association remains current, but additional update mechanisms are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE proactively include current MME information in uplink messages before service network elements need to query for it. When UE moves to a new tracking area or attaches to the network, it already carries the updated MME information, eliminating the need for separate update mechanisms and reducing update overhead while maintaining association accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method, system and UE for establishing association between a service network element and an MME, in order to solve the technical problem of establishing association between the service network element and the MME. The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: the service network element receives a message sent by the UE including an information parameter of the MME which is currently serving the UE, and acquires the information parameter of the MME from the message; the service network element sends a message including an information parameter of the service network element to the MME; and the MME acquires the information parameter of the service network element from the message. The present invention realizes the requirement of establishing association between the service network element and the MME without modifying and upgrading network elements related to the PCC architecture for implementing the function, reduces the operating cost and risk of the existing network, and favours the prompt application of the EPS network.