Dynamic Tracking Area List Allocation for Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio paging technologies face challenges in dynamically adapting to the changing location update procedures and paging loads due to the fixed allocation of paging areas, which leads to inefficiencies in location update signaling and paging overhead in wireless communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for allocating tracking areas in an Evolved Packet System (EPS) that dynamically adjusts paging areas based on a history record of user equipment (UE) motion traces, using preset parameters such as the number of continuous adjacent tracking areas and probability thresholds to optimize location updates and reduce signaling overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the paging area is made small to control location update frequency, then the number of location update signaling is reduced, but the paging overhead increases due to frequent updates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation update signalingVSAvoidpaging overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the paging area configuration adaptive rather than fixed. The network side dynamically adjusts the paging area based on real-time UE motion states, using historical motion trace data to predict future locations and optimize paging area boundaries. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to minimize location updates when UEs are stationary while reducing paging overhead when UEs are moving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of paging area size based on UE motion characteristics. By analyzing historical motion traces and determining motion states (stationary, moving, high-speed moving), the system adjusts paging area parameters adaptively. This parameter change strategy allows the system to optimize the balance between location update frequency and paging overhead for different UE behaviors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the paging area is made large to reduce location updates, then location update signaling is reduced, but the paging overhead increases due to wider coverage area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation update efficiencyVSAvoidpaging overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating heterogeneous paging area configurations for different UEs based on their individual motion characteristics. Instead of using a uniform paging area size for all UEs, the system analyzes each UE's historical motion trace and assigns customized paging areas that match their mobility patterns. This local optimization resolves the contradiction by tailoring paging area size to each UE's specific needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-analyzing historical motion trace data to predict future UE locations and behaviors. The network side maintains a database of UE motion patterns and uses this pre-computed information to proactively optimize paging area allocation before location updates are needed. This preliminary analysis enables the system to anticipate UE movement and adjust paging areas in advance, reducing both location updates and paging overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the paging area configuration is fixed to simplify network planning, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic changes in location update procedures and paging load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging area configurationVSAvoidadaptability to dynamic changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically optimize its own paging area configuration without requiring manual network planning adjustments. The network side autonomously analyzes UE motion data, determines motion states, and dynamically adjusts paging areas based on observed patterns. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive to dynamic changes while keeping the configuration process automated rather than manual.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring UE location updates and motion patterns, then using this feedback to refine paging area configurations. The system collects real-time data on UE movements, analyzes the effectiveness of current paging areas, and adjusts configurations based on this feedback loop. This feedback-driven approach enables the system to adapt to dynamic changes while maintaining relatively simple initial configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2739101B1Method and apparatus for allocating a tracking area list
Publication Date: 2016.05.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2739101B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2739101B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2739101B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for allocating paging areas includes: determining a basic paging area currently visited by a User Equipment (UE); and allocating a paging area to this UE according to a history record of motion trace of UEs located in the basic paging area currently visited by this UE. An apparatus for allocating paging areas is disclosed.