Virtual MME Message Processing for LTE Network Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and resource consumption of LTE network systems increase with the number of MMEs, leading to inefficiencies in message processing and interface management.
Innovation Solution
Deploying multiple virtual machines within a single MME allows for independent message processing, enabling one MME to handle functions of multiple MMEs, reducing the need for physical MMEs and S1 interfaces, and simplifying network complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the quantity of MMEs is increased to meet system requirements, then the processing capacity and service capability are improved, but the network system complexity and resource consumption increase greatly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple virtual MMEs are merged into a single physical MME device, sharing common hardware resources including processor, memory, and S1 interfaces. This consolidation maintains the processing capacity of multiple MMEs while reducing physical device quantity and network complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical MME is designed to perform multiple functions by hosting multiple virtual MME instances that can independently handle different service tasks. Each virtual MME can process authentication, mobility management, and session management functions simultaneously, enabling one device to fulfill the role of multiple dedicated MMEs.
2Productivity
If the quantity of MMEs is increased to meet system requirements, then the processing capacity and service capability are improved, but the resource consumption increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple virtual MMEs share common physical resources including CPU cycles, memory capacity, storage, and power supply. This resource sharing eliminates redundant hardware consumption while maintaining the computational capacity needed to handle multiple concurrent service requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates computational resources to virtual MMEs based on traffic load and service demands. Resource parameters such as CPU allocation and memory assignment are adjusted in real-time, ensuring optimal resource utilization and reducing waste during low-demand periods while maintaining high capacity during peak periods.
3Productivity
If the quantity of S1 interfaces is increased to connect more MMEs, then the message processing capability is improved, but the interface complexity and system overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple virtual MMEs share common S1 interface hardware resources and use a pooled approach to interface management. The physical MME consolidates multiple S1 interface connections, allowing multiple virtual instances to access the same physical interface pool, thereby reducing the total number of physical interfaces needed while maintaining message processing capability for multiple services.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a message processing method, an MME selection method and apparatuses. The method includes: receiving, by a mobility management entity MME, a first message sent by an evolved NodeB eNB, where: multiple virtual machines are deployed in the MME; the first message includes a non-access stratum NAS message sent by user equipment UE and identification information of a target virtual machine; and the identification information of the target virtual machine is generated by the target virtual machine in the MME; determining, by the MME according to the identification information of the target virtual machine, the target virtual machine from the multiple virtual machines, and allocating the non-access stratum message to the target virtual machine for processing; and returning, by the MME, a first response message generated by the target virtual machine to the eNB, so that the first response message is sent to the UE by using the eNB. This method can lower complexity of an LTE network system construction, and reduce resource consumption.