5G UE Unavailability Signaling for Network Congestion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing overload and congestion, particularly during transitions between 5G and 4G networks, leading to inefficient resource allocation and increased signaling that can overwhelm network resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing enhanced overload and congestion control mechanisms that allow user equipment (UE) to inform the 5G network of its unavailability during extended wait times, using a timer expiry value and request messages to adjust network signaling, thereby reducing unnecessary communications and conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network sends frequent signaling to check UE availability, then network reliability is improved, but network resource utilization deteriorates due to unnecessary signaling during UE unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary actions by sending a request message to the UE before the UE becomes unavailable, and the UE proactively responds with its unavailability period. This preliminary exchange allows the network to stop signaling during the unavailability period, avoiding unnecessary signaling while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE provides feedback to the network about its availability status by responding to the request message with information about its unavailability period. This feedback mechanism allows the network to adjust its signaling behavior accordingly, stopping unnecessary signaling during unavailability while maintaining reliability during availability.
2Reliability
If the UE continuously monitors network signaling, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases during periods when the UE is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs a preliminary action by proactively responding to the network's request message with its unavailability period before actually becoming unavailable. This allows the UE to enter a low-power state during the unavailability period without missing critical signaling, as the network is already aware of the UE's status.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE serves itself by autonomously determining its unavailability period and communicating this information to the network. This self-service approach allows the UE to manage its own power consumption by entering low-power states during unavailability periods without requiring continuous network monitoring.
3Reliability
If the network maintains strict connection protocols, then connection reliability is improved, but network congestion increases during overload conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection protocol becomes dynamic by allowing the network to suspend signaling during the UE's unavailability period while maintaining the logical connection. The protocol adapts its behavior based on the UE's availability status, being strict when the UE is available and permissive (reducing signaling) when the UE is unavailable, thus maintaining reliability without causing congestion.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor comprising memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to establish a fifth generation (5G) connection associated with a next-generation node-B (gNB) and an access and mobility function (AMF). Additionally, the processor can transmit, based at least in part on a loss of the 5G connection, a connection request message to an enhanced node-B (eNB) and receive, from the eNB, a connection reject message. The connection reject message can include an indication associated with a timer expiry value and the processor can start a timer in accordance with the timer expiry value. The processor can further determine a period of unavailability of a user equipment (UE), transmit a request message indicating the period of unavailability to the AMF, and receive a response message from the AMF.