User Equipment Non-IP to IP Switching for 5G NB-IoT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for machine-to-machine communication in cellular networks face challenges with dynamic IP addresses, as they rely on SMS triggers which are not available in 5G NB-IoT networks, leading to unnecessary data traffic and high costs, especially for metering applications.
Innovation Solution
A method enabling server-initiated data transmission using a paging and RLC message to switch from Non-IP to IP communication, allowing user equipment with dynamic IP addresses to transmit data directly to the application server without SMS, suitable for 5G NB-IoT networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SMS trigger is used to initiate data transmission from user equipment with dynamic IP address, then the application server can request data transmission, but SMS capability is not available in 5G NB-IoT networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a paging message as an intermediary mechanism between the application server and the user equipment. Instead of directly using SMS to trigger data transmission, the system uses a paging message sent through the core network to reach the UE, which then responds by establishing an IP connection. This intermediary approach maintains compatibility with 5G NB-IoT networks that lack SMS capability while preserving the server-initiated data transmission functionality.
2Ease of operation
If user equipment uses fixed IP address, then application server can take data on demand, but customer is charged with extra fees and periodic connections generate unnecessary data traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic IP address assignment combined with on-demand connection establishment. Instead of assigning a fixed IP address that requires periodic maintenance connections, the system dynamically assigns IP addresses only when data transmission is actually needed. The UE remains in a low-power state without an active IP connection, and the application server initiates data retrieval by sending a paging message that triggers temporary connection establishment, thus eliminating unnecessary periodic traffic while maintaining on-demand access capability.
3Reliability
If user equipment establishes connection periodically, then connection can be maintained, but periodic connections generate potentially useless data traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional periodic connection approach by implementing periodic paging instead of periodic connection establishment. The application server sends periodic paging messages to check if data is available for transmission, but the actual data connection is only established when the paging message triggers a response. This approach maintains connection availability reliability through periodic monitoring while dramatically reducing data traffic volume by avoiding continuous or frequent connection maintenance, as connections are only formed when necessary.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates a user equipment UE registered for Non-IP communication services performs an application function. For providing application data via a radio access network, a method involves receiving a paging message and a subsequent radio link control, RLC, message in accordance with a Non-IP communication protocol. The paging message and the RLC message are initiated by an application server associated with the application function. The UE retrieves a network address of the application server in accordance with an IP communication protocol stack, and activates use of the IP communication protocol stack. The UE then requests IP communication services from the core network via the wireless cellular network, obtains a dynamic network address in accordance with the Internet Protocol and uses its dynamic network address and the network address of the application server to providing the application data to the application server using the IP communication services via the wireless cellular network.