UE Context Resume for IoT Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network technologies, such as 4G and 5G cellular networks, fail to meet the requirements of low-power, low-bandwidth, and large-coverage communication for IoT devices, particularly in scenarios where devices require low-frequency and small-data transmission, as they do not effectively implement user access control and update locally-stored user information during the suspend and resume mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for user equipment context resume, where a core network element device receives and processes a UE context resume request message containing specific information like ECGI, CSG ID, cell access mode, LIPA local gateway address, and LHN ID, enabling user access control and updating of UE information, thereby addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If 4G and 5G cellular networks are used for IoT devices, then high speed and large bandwidth are achieved, but power consumption increases and coverage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a suspend and resume mechanism that changes the operational state parameters of the UE. By transitioning from an active connected state to a suspended idle state, the system dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly resume data transmission when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic state transitions between connected and suspended states. The base station can initiate suspend when data transmission is complete, and the UE can resume when new data arrives, creating a dynamic system that adapts power consumption to actual transmission needs rather than maintaining constant high-speed capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If frequent charging is implemented for IoT devices, then continuous communication is maintained, but device complexity and operational burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication continuityVSAvoidcharging management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring continuous power supply through frequent charging, the patent implements periodic communication through suspend and resume cycles. The UE maintains communication capability by periodically transitioning to low-power suspended state and resuming when data transmission is required, extending operational duration without continuous charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of time

If the current resume mechanism is used without user access control, then quick context resumption is achieved, but network security and access control are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontext resumption timeVSAvoidaccess control reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs user access control checks and UE information updates as preliminary actions during the resume process. The base station retrieves stored UE context information and validates access permissions before fully restoring the connected state, ensuring security is established in advance rather than as an afterthought.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station retrieves and validates UE context information from the network during the resume process. This feedback loop ensures that access control decisions are based on current, verified information while maintaining efficient resumption timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Use of energy by moving object

If NB-IoT with dedicated core network is deployed, then low power consumption and large coverage are achieved, but device complexity and network configuration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal suspend and resume mechanism that works across different network configurations including NB-IoT, 4G, and 5G. The base station's ability to initiate suspend and the UE's ability to resume creates a multi-functional solution that can be applied regardless of the specific network type, reducing configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3457750B1UE context resume
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 ZTE CORP
  • EP3457750B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3457750B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7
  • EP3457750B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

The present invention provides a user equipment text resume method and apparatus. The method includes: receiving a user equipment (UE) text resume request message sent from a base station, where the UE text resume request message carries at least one of the following specific information: information for user access control and information for performing the update of information about a UE; and performing at least one of the following operations on the UE according to the specific information: the user access control and the update of the information about the UE.