Network Congestion Reduction via UE Attach Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular networks experience congestion, particularly due to Machine-Type Communication (MTC) devices simultaneously attempting to reconnect after a power failure and restoration, leading to network overload and APN congestion, which affects both MTC and traditional mobile services.
Innovation Solution
User Equipment (UE) in the network delays its initial attach request to the communication network based on unique hardware identifiers like IMEI or randomly generated numbers, uniformly distributing these requests over a defined period to manage network resources and capacity, and prioritizing UE groupings to manage peak demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If MTC devices simultaneously attempt to reconnect to the network after power restoration, then all devices can obtain network resources quickly, but network congestion and APN overload occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing a back-off timer mechanism where MTC devices wait for a calculated duration before attempting network attachment. The timer value is determined by distributing devices across different access classes (AC 0-15), creating periodic attachment attempts spread over time rather than simultaneous reconnection, thus preventing network congestion while maintaining reliable service.
2Reliability
If network capacity is increased to handle simultaneous requests, then all devices can connect without congestion, but network cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the attachment behavior parameters of MTC devices rather than increasing network infrastructure capacity. Specifically, it changes the timing parameters (back-off timer values) and access class assignments to distribute load over time. This parameter-based control achieves reliable network handling without requiring additional network elements or increased infrastructure complexity.
3Reliability
If attach requests are delayed to reduce congestion, then network stability is maintained, but service activation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying different back-off timer values and access class assignments to different MTC devices based on their specific characteristics and service requirements. Critical services can be assigned to higher priority access classes with shorter back-off periods, while non-critical services use lower priority classes with longer delays. This localized differentiation maintains network stability while minimizing service activation time for priority devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
To reduce the likelihood of APN congestion following a power restoration (902) a UE (116) that is communicatively linked to a network (102) may delay (906) its initial attach request (912) to the communication network (102) based on a function (904) of a randomly generated number or on a hardware identifier that is unique or nearly unique to the UE (116). Examples of hardware identifiers that may be used include the UE's International Mobile station Equipment Identity (IMEI), the UE's International Mobile station Equipment Identity and Software Version number (IMEISV), and the UE's manufacturer serial number (MSN). Also, an operator-provided identifier, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), may be used.