UE-Based Network Performance Measurement Trace Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP systems lack support for realizing all UE selection options and fulfilling future use cases for UE-based network performance measurements, particularly requiring multiple network nodes like MME and eNB to participate in selection and trace initiation, which is not adequately addressed in existing signaling procedures and node behaviors.
Innovation Solution
Introducing new signaling procedures, messages, and information elements, along with extended trace control and configuration parameters to enable flexible UE selection conditions where both MME and eNB participate, allowing trace initiation from the eNB, and pre-selecting UEs based on specific conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing trace methods are used for UE-based network performance measurements, then the network can monitor generic network performance, but the system cannot realize all UE selection options or fulfill future use cases requiring multiple network nodes participation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UE selection process into multiple independent selection criteria that can be applied by different network nodes (MME, eNB). Each node can independently evaluate UEs based on specific criteria (IMSI, IMEI, location, device capabilities) and participate in the trace initiation process, enabling flexible combination of selection options without requiring complete redesign of the signaling framework
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic trace activation where the trace initiation can flexibly originate from either the MME or the eNB based on the specific use case and selection criteria. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different scenarios (troubleshooting, optimization, future use cases) by changing which node initiates the trace, rather than following a fixed procedure
2Adaptability or versatility
If trace configuration parameters are extended to support multiple network nodes, then all UE selection options can be realized, but the signaling message overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends existing trace configuration parameters to serve multiple functions: they can specify selection criteria for a single node, multiple nodes, or combinations thereof. The same parameter structure supports both current 3GPP-defined use cases and future use cases, eliminating the need for separate signaling mechanisms for different scenarios and reducing overall message overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables pre-selection of UEs by network nodes based on configured criteria before trace activation. Nodes can evaluate and pre-identify target UEs using selection conditions (IMSI, IMEI, location, capabilities) and prepare trace configurations in advance, reducing the need for extensive signaling during actual trace activation and allowing more efficient use of existing signaling resources
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing UE-based network performance measurements utilizing a process of tracing a UE in a radio telecommunication network. An eNB may receive a trace activation message from a Mobility Management Entity, MME, or a Network Management Entity, wherein the trace activation message includes eNB-specific, and optionally MME-specific, selection conditions for selecting a UE for a trace session. The eNB selects a UE for tracing when the eNB-specific selection conditions are satisfied, and may send the MME-specific selection conditions to the MME for evaluation. When all selection conditions are satisfied, the eNB activates the trace session with the selected UE. The Trace Activation IE utilized in the Trace Start message, the UE Context Setup Request message, and the Handover Request message is extended with additional IEs in order to implement the method.