Unified Trace Reference for Inter-RAT Event Tracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for tracing inter-RAT events in telecommunications networks are inefficient, requiring significant resources and complicating post-processing, as they cannot trace events in the target node and often necessitate local activation in multiple network elements, which is impractical for large networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a unified Trace Reference to activate tracing across multiple domains (RATs) by sending Trace Control and Configuration parameters from a central server like HSS/HLR to relevant nodes, allowing tracing in both source and target nodes without local activation in all network elements, using Signalling Based Trace Activation or MDT.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If local Trace activation is performed in all 2G/3G/LTE network elements to trace inter-RAT events, then tracing completeness is improved, but resource consumption and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trace activation function by separating the Trace Session management (in HSS) from the actual trace execution in network elements. This allows selective activation where only relevant network elements participate in tracing based on the UE's current location and mobility patterns, rather than universally activating trace in all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The HSS acts as an intermediary that receives trace activation requests, determines the appropriate network elements to involve based on UE subscription data and current RAT, and forwards trace parameters only to those specific elements. This mediator approach eliminates the need for universal local activation while maintaining tracing completeness.
2Measurement precision
If separate Trace References are used for EPC domain and PS domain to trace inter-RAT events, then domain-specific tracing accuracy is improved, but post-processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trace reference management by using a single unified Trace Reference that spans both EPC and PS domains. This allows trace data from inter-RAT events to be collected under one reference, eliminating the need for separate domain-specific references and significantly simplifying post-processing while maintaining the ability to trace events across domain boundaries.
3Measurement precision
If Trace parameters are forwarded to target node during inter-RAT procedure, then tracing capability in target node is improved, but contact timing constraints worsen the activation reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the HSS with trace activation capabilities and subscription data before inter-RAT procedures occur. When a UE needs to be traced, the HSS can immediately activate trace in the appropriate network element without waiting for the inter-RAT procedure to complete, ensuring reliable activation regardless of contact timing.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is provided an apparatus, comprising selecting means adapted to select one set of parameters/values out of a first set of parameters/values and a second set of parameters/values received in an activation message related to a trace session of a subscriber or a terminal, wherein the selected set of parameters/values corresponds to the trace session in a first domain of the apparatus and the other set of parameters/values corresponds to the trace session in a second domain different from the first domain; providing means adapted to provide the selected set of parameters/values and an identifier to a tracing device for performing the trace session in the first domain, wherein the identifier is received in the activation message and related to the trace session.