Mobile Network Signaling Traffic Estimation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Modern packet-switched mobile networks face challenges in managing increasing signaling traffic, leading to congestion due to varied user equipment usage and applications, making it difficult to design and upgrade networks efficiently to avoid overburdening core sections.

Innovation Solution

A method for upgrading packet-switched mobile networks involves calculating signaling traffic estimations based on active users and data connections, forecasting future user equipment attachment, and adjusting node numbers and resources accordingly to maintain optimal signaling capacity, thereby preventing congestion and optimizing network resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If packet-switched mobile networks are designed with fixed node numbers and resources in advance, then network design simplicity is improved, but the ability to manage increasing signaling traffic deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork design simplicityVSAvoidsignaling traffic management capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed, predetermined network design to a dynamic system that continuously monitors signaling traffic parameters (such as signaling capacity utilization, number of active users, and data connection rates) and automatically adjusts network configuration. This allows the network to adapt its node numbers and resource allocation in real-time based on actual traffic demands, resolving the contradiction between design simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously measuring signaling traffic parameters and using this information to trigger network upgrades or resource adjustments. The system monitors key indicators and feeds this information back to the network management function, which then determines whether node addition or resource reallocation is necessary, enabling the network to respond appropriately to changing traffic patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If network nodes and resources are periodically upgraded to manage signaling traffic, then signaling traffic management capability is improved, but network cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling traffic management capabilityVSAvoidnetwork upgrade frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback-controlled decision-making to determine when network upgrades are necessary. Instead of periodic or predetermined upgrades, the system continuously monitors signaling traffic parameters and only triggers upgrades when measured parameters indicate actual need (such as signaling capacity utilization exceeding thresholds). This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary upgrades and optimizes resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring specific measurable parameters (signaling capacity utilization rate, number of active users, data connection establishment rate) and using these parameter values to dynamically adjust network configuration. The system changes network parameters (node numbers, resource allocation) based on measured traffic parameters, enabling precise, need-based network evolution rather than blanket periodic upgrades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If signaling traffic is monitored and network is upgraded based on actual demand, then network cost-effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring signaling parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling parameter measurement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements structured feedback mechanisms that automatically collect and process signaling traffic parameters. The system defines specific measurable indicators (signaling capacity utilization, active user counts, connection rates) and establishes automated processes to monitor these parameters, reducing the manual measurement burden while enabling data-driven network optimization decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual network planning and measurement processes with automated electronic monitoring and analysis systems. Instead of manual assessment of signaling traffic patterns, the system uses automated measurement of key parameters and algorithmic analysis to determine upgrade needs, substituting mechanical/manual processes with electronic automation to reduce measurement complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2976905B1Estimating signaling traffic in mobile networks
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 TELECOM ITALIA SPA
  • EP2976905B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2976905B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2976905B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method (200) for upgrading a core section (120, 120') of a packet switched mobile network (100, 100') intended to provide packet data services to user equipment (UE). The method includes: a) collecting information about a maximum signaling transaction amount managed by nodes (SGSN, GGSN, MME, SGW, PGW) of the core section with respect to active data connection established between user equipment (UE) and the packet switched mobile network (100, 100'), and calculating a corresponding active users parameter based on said collected information; b) retrieving an indication of how the maximum signaling transaction amount managed by the nodes (SGSN, GGSN, MME, SGW, PGW) of the core section is distributed among user equipment (UE) attached to the packet switched mobile network (100, 100'), and calculating a corresponding activity parameter based on said retrieved indication; c) calculating a forecasted number of user equipment (UE) which potentially will be able to attach to the network in a future predetermined period; d) calculating a signaling traffic estimation based on the active users parameter, the activity parameter and the forecasted number of user equipment (U), and e) setting up the core section (120, 120') based on the calculated signaling traffic estimation.