Small Data User Plane Transmission for CIoT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks face inefficiencies in handling infrequent small data transmissions for low complexity, power-constrained Internet of Things (IoT) devices, leading to high UE power consumption and resource wastage due to inefficient signaling and power management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a 'small data fast path' or 'small data user plane' (SDUP) mechanism that allows for efficient transmission of small data over the user plane with reduced signaling overhead, reusing existing UP functionality, and avoiding the storage of UE context in the RAN, enabling devices to remain in IDLE mode and utilize existing mobility mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional signaling procedures are used for small data transmission, then data can be transmitted reliably, but signaling overhead increases and UE power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary signaling procedures from the traditional connection establishment process. By implementing a simplified small data transmission mechanism that operates independently from full connection setup, the solution eliminates excessive signaling overhead while maintaining reliable data transmission, directly addressing the contradiction between energy efficiency and signaling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data transmission process into separate small data user plane sessions that can be established independently from traditional connection procedures. This segmentation allows for targeted signaling only when needed for small data transmission, reducing overall signaling overhead and UE power consumption without compromising transmission reliability
2Speed
If UE context is stored in RAN for frequent access, then data transmission speed improves, but resource wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing small data user plane sessions in advance before actual data transmission occurs. This allows the UE to remain in idle mode with minimal resources consumed, while pre-configured session information enables rapid data transmission when needed, eliminating the need for continuous resource allocation and reducing waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic session management where UE context is stored in the core network rather than RAN, allowing flexible activation and deactivation of sessions based on actual transmission needs. This dynamic approach enables fast data transmission when sessions are active while minimizing resource consumption during idle periods, resolving the contradiction between transmission speed and resource wastage
3Reliability
If frequent connection establishment is used for small data, then data can be transmitted reliably, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a small data user plane session mechanism that can handle multiple data transmission scenarios through a single standardized procedure. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for different connection establishment procedures for different data sizes, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining reliability across various transmission scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the core network as an intermediary for session management, where session establishment and management are handled centrally rather than requiring frequent RAN-level connection setups. This intermediary approach simplifies the signaling process by consolidating session management functions, reducing overall signaling overhead while ensuring reliable data transmission through proper session control
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary embodiments include methods performed by a cellular Internet of Things, CIoT, user equipment, UE, for transmission of data in a communication network comprising a radio access network, RAN, and a core network, CN. Embodiments include sending, to an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, a request to establish a small-data user-plane, SDUP, data session. Embodiments can also include receiving a response indicating that the requested SDUP data session is established. The response can include an identifier associated with a user-plane function, UPF, within the CN, that supports the established SDUP data session. The response can also include an SDUP security configuration for communication between the UE and the CN during the established SDUP data session. Embodiments can also include subsequently communicating user data, associated with the established SDUP data session, with the UPF via a serving node in the RAN. Other embodiments include complementary methods performed by AMFs and serving nodes, as well as UEs and network nodes configured to perform the exemplary methods.