SGSN MTA Procedure Notification via BSSGP Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transparent tunneling between the Base Station Subsystem (BSS) and the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) in wireless telecommunications systems leads to issues where the SGSN is unaware if a wireless device is performing a Multilateration Timing Advance (MTA) procedure, resulting in unsuccessful downlink data delivery and paging errors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Multilateration Timer IE or a timer value within the BSSGP POSITION-COMMAND PDU to indicate to the SGSN that a wireless device is performing an MTA procedure, allowing the SGSN to suspend downlink data delivery and paging during the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If transparent tunneling is used between BSS and SGSN, then system simplicity is maintained, but the SGSN becomes unaware of MTA procedures causing data delivery failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator (MPM indicator) that is inserted into the BSSGP POSITION-COMMAND PDU by the BSS. This indicator acts as a mediator that conveys information about the MTA procedure to the SGSN without breaking the transparent tunneling architecture. The SGSN reads this indicator to understand that a wireless device is performing an MTA procedure and should suspend downlink data delivery, thus resolving the reliability issue while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If the SGSN suspends downlink data delivery during MTA procedure, then data delivery reliability improves, but system complexity increases due to additional indicator handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses the existing BSSGP POSITION-COMMAND PDU structure and adds a compact MPM indicator field to it. This existing protocol message is made multi-functional by incorporating the MTA procedure indication capability. The indicator can be set to different values (0 or 1) to convey different states (MTA not performed or MTA performed), allowing a single protocol element to handle multiple aspects of positioning procedure management without creating entirely new message types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the BSSGP POSITION-COMMAND PDU by adding a new parameter (MPM indicator) that changes the behavior of the SGSN. When this parameter is set to a specific value indicating MTA procedure is ongoing, the SGSN changes its operational state to suspend downlink data delivery. This parameter-based control mechanism allows flexible and reliable management of data delivery based on positioning procedure status without requiring complex structural changes to the protocol.
3Reliability
If the SGSN is made aware of MTA procedures through indicator inclusion, then paging accuracy improves, but message structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MPM indicator serves as an intermediary element within the BSSGP POSITION-COMMAND PDU that carries paging-relevant information. By setting this indicator, the BSS informs the SGSN about the MTA procedure status, which in turn enables the SGSN to make accurate paging decisions. The indicator acts as a compact mediator that conveys essential positioning state information without requiring complex message structures or additional separate signaling messages.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes various techniques for enabling a Base Station System (BSS) to provide a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) with an indication, e.g., in the form of a flag or a timer, within a BSS General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Protocol (BSSGP) POSITION-COMMAND Protocol Data Unit (PDU) that a target wireless device is to perform a Multilateration Timing Advance (MTA) procedure. The SGSN upon receipt of the BSSGP POSITION-COMMAND PDU with the indication, e.g., in the form of a flag or a timer, can start a timer during which the SGSN will suspend downlink data delivery and paging to the target wireless device while the target wireless device is performing the MTA procedure.