Temporary Tracking Area Support in 5G RNA Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G mobile communication networks, the integration of temporary tracking areas into the radio access network notification area is inefficient, leading to potential oversized notification areas that increase signaling overhead and reduce the ability to quickly locate mobile devices in the RRC INACTIVE state.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring the Radio Access Network (RAN) Notification Area (RNA) by receiving timing information for temporary tracking areas and dynamically adding or removing cells based on this information, ensuring that only relevant temporary tracking areas are included in the RNA, thereby maintaining a balanced RNA size and reducing unnecessary signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all tracking areas are included in the RNA to ensure complete coverage, then the mobile device can be located anywhere in the registration area, but the RNA size becomes oversized increasing signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RNA into two distinct parts: permanent tracking areas (always included) and temporary tracking areas (conditionally included based on timing information). This segmentation allows the system to maintain only the necessary tracking areas in the RNA at any given time, reducing signaling overhead while preserving the ability to locate mobile devices in their current location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic management of the RNA by evaluating timing information associated with temporary tracking areas. The RNA composition changes dynamically based on whether the current time falls within the valid time period of temporary tracking areas, allowing the system to adapt the RNA size and content to current operational needs rather than maintaining a static, oversized RNA.
2Reliability
If temporary tracking areas are always included in the RNA, then the mobile device can be found in temporary areas, but the RNA size increases reducing the ability to quickly locate devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic management of the RNA by evaluating timing information associated with temporary tracking areas. The RNA composition changes dynamically based on whether the current time falls within the valid time period of temporary tracking areas, allowing the system to adapt the RNA size and content to current operational needs rather than maintaining a static, oversized RNA.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses timing information to preliminarily determine which temporary tracking areas should be included in the RNA before the mobile device actually needs to be located. By pre-evaluating the validity period of temporary tracking areas, the system prepares the optimal RNA configuration in advance, ensuring fast device location when needed without the overhead of always including temporary areas.
3Measurement precision
If the RNA is updated frequently to maintain accurate device location, then the device location accuracy improves, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic evaluation of temporary tracking area validity based on timing information rather than continuous updates. The system periodically checks whether the current time falls within the valid period of temporary tracking areas and updates the RNA accordingly. This periodic action maintains accurate device location information while significantly reducing signaling overhead compared to continuous updates.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed by an apparatus for configuration of a Radio Access Network (RAN) Notification Area (RNA) is provided. The method comprises receiving a first message including Tracking Area (TA) information comprising timing information for at least one temporary TA, and receiving a second message including RNA information comprising a cell to be added to the RNA and the TA to which the cell belongs. The method further comprises configuring the RNA with the timing information for the at least one temporary TA. When the TA to which the cell (i.e., the cell which is to be added to the RNA) belongs is the at least one temporary TA (i.e., if it is the temporary TA in case of one temporary TA or one of the temporary TAs in case of more than one temporary TA), temporarily adding the cell to the RNA based on the timing information for the at least one temporary TA.