Supplemental NAS Messaging for Wireless Network Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing communication protocols in wireless networks, such as GSM/EDGE Radio Access Networks, are limited in size for initial NAS messages, preventing the inclusion of additional NAS information necessary for network enhancements, which hinders efficient communication and session establishment.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to send supplemental NAS messages alongside initial NAS messages, allowing for the transmission of additional information by encapsulating them in separate Layer 2 frames, enabling the network to support extended NAS messaging and improve communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the initial NAS message size is increased to include additional NAS information, then the network can support future enhancements and improve communication efficiency, but the message size exceeds the data link layer protocol restrictions in GERAN

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNAS information completenessVSAvoidmessage structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NAS message is divided into two separate messages: an initial NAS message that fits within the data link layer protocol size restrictions, and a supplemental NAS message that contains the additional NAS information. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the size limitation while maintaining protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A supplemental NAS message is introduced as an intermediary carrier to transport the additional NAS information that cannot be accommodated in the initial NAS message. This intermediary structure enables the transmission of complete NAS information without violating protocol size constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If supplemental NAS messaging is implemented to transmit additional information, then communication efficiency is improved and call setup times are shortened, but the system requires additional message transmission increasing protocol complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall setup speedVSAvoidprotocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The initial NAS message is transmitted first with essential information needed for immediate network processing. The supplemental NAS message with additional information is prepared and transmitted subsequently, allowing the network to begin processing early while receiving complete information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The messaging system becomes dynamic by conditionally transmitting the supplemental NAS message based on whether additional NAS information is available. The system adapts between single-message and two-message transmission modes, optimizing protocol usage based on information requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2563071B1Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for use in communicating supplemental non access stratum (NAS) information

Publication Date: 2023.02.15 BLACKBERRY LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Techniques for use in the communication of supplemental non access stratum (NAS) information in a network are described. In one illustrative example, a mobile device operates to send to a network an initial NAS message associated with a NAS procedure. The mobile device further operates to send to the network a supplemental NAS message associated with the NAS procedure, where the supplemental NAS message includes supplemental NAS information. Several related and alternative techniques are provided.