UE Agent Network Node Selection for MME Pooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile broadband networks face congestion and performance issues due to machine-type communication devices competing with human devices for resources, as they require different scaling and virtualization capabilities, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies that treat cellular networks as simple transport pipes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system that uses mobility management entity (MME) or Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) pooling and enhances User Equipment (UE) with location-based decision-making to steer signaling to appropriate network nodes, such as virtualized evolved packet core (VEPC), without requiring upgrades at eNB/RNC or network nodes, using location information like GPS coordinates to select the correct MME/SGSN for service provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If machine-type communication devices are allowed to access the mobile broadband network, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but network congestion and performance degradation occur due to resource competition with human devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mobile core network into multiple virtualized Evolved Packet Core (VEPC) networks, each capable of being optimized for different device types. Machine-type communication devices are routed to specific VEPC instances designed for their scaling and virtualization needs, while human devices use other VEPC instances, thereby eliminating resource competition and resolving the contradiction between network connectivity and performance.
2Productivity
If different scaling and virtualization capabilities are provided for machine-type and human devices, then network performance is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal selection mechanism that can dynamically route different device types to appropriate VEPC networks based on their requirements. The same core network infrastructure provides multi-functional support for both machine-type and human devices through virtualization, allowing a single physical infrastructure to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated networks for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the virtualization parameters and scaling capabilities of VEPC networks dynamically based on device type. By adjusting virtualization parameters such as resource allocation, capacity scaling, and network configuration, the system can optimize performance for machine-type communication devices while maintaining compatibility with human devices, thereby improving network performance without proportionally increasing infrastructure complexity.
3Device complexity
If existing technologies treat cellular networks as simple transport pipes, then network simplicity is maintained, but the ability to address different device requirements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic selection mechanisms that enable the network to adapt its behavior based on device type and requirements. The UE agent dynamically determines whether the device is a machine-type or human device and selects appropriate VEPC networks accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to transition from a static, one-size-fits-all approach to a flexible, device-specific approach, thereby improving service capability without significantly increasing architectural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described herein relate generally to a method and system for using mobility management entity (MME) or Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) pooling features depending on whether it is a 3G or 4G network and adding an enhancement in the User Equipment (UE) whereby it uses location information (e.g., broadcast Public Land Mobile Network Identity (PLMN ID), Tracking Area (TA), Cell Identification, Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates or the like) to decide from which MME or SGSN it should obtain services.