VoLTE Call Setup Keep Alive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
VoLTE call setup in congested networks is delayed due to high loading on eNBs, leading to RRC connection release timers expiring before call establishment, requiring re-establishment of connections and additional resource usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'keep alive' mechanism that inserts padding traffic (dummy packets) to maintain the RRC connection, using a timer and counter system to prevent connection release during call setup, and adaptively adjusting timer and counter values based on network conditions and call setup stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the eNB implements an RRC connection release mechanism based on user traffic with optimized timers for high loading conditions, then the network resource usage is improved, but the call setup reliability deteriorates in congested networks
Solution Approach 1:
The UE proactively transmits padding messages before the RRC connection release timer expires to preemptively prevent connection release. This preliminary action ensures the connection remains established throughout the call setup procedure, even in congested networks with shortened timer values.
Solution Approach 2:
The padding message mechanism acts as a counter-force to the RRC connection release mechanism. By transmitting periodic padding messages, the UE counteracts the timer-based release action, preventing the connection from being released during critical call setup phases.
2Productivity
If the eNB shortens the RRC connection release timer for high loading conditions, then the network resource efficiency is improved, but the call setup time increases due to connection releases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE starts a keep-alive timer and transmits padding messages in advance before the network's RRC connection release timer expires. This preliminary action maintains the connection continuously throughout the call setup procedure, preventing any connection release and subsequent re-establishment delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic transmission of padding messages ensures continuous maintenance of the RRC connection throughout the call setup procedure. This continuous action prevents connection interruption, ensuring uninterrupted communication channel availability despite shortened network timers.
3Loss of energy
If the RRC connection is released due to timer expiration during call setup, then the network resource allocation is optimized, but the call setup procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE autonomously manages its own RRC connection maintenance by implementing the keep-alive mechanism with padding messages. This self-service approach prevents connection release without requiring network intervention or complex coordination, simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are described for call setup (e.g., VoLTE) for a wireless communication device. During a call setup procedure, the device may implement a “keep alive” mechanism to maintain an RRC connection established as part of the call setup procedure. The “keep alive” mechanism may be configured to insert some padding traffic (e.g., dummy packets) to maintain the RRC connection, for example, by restarting the network RRC connection release timer to prevent its expiration and release of the RRC connection during call setup.