Wireless Device Probe Message Management for M2M Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in monitoring and maintaining reliable connectivity for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, leading to potential failures and high labor costs due to over-dimensioning and redundancy measures, which are not dynamically adapted to changing connectivity needs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a wireless device dynamically adjusts the number of probe messages based on the required and estimated levels of connectivity, reducing power consumption and network resource usage by sending fewer probe messages when connectivity is above the required level, and increasing them when it falls below the threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the radio access network is over-dimensioned with redundant resources and multiple base stations to ensure high reliability for M2M devices, then the reliability and availability of wireless connectivity is improved, but the deployment cost, network complexity, and resource consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless connectivity reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork deployment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic probe message adjustment where the wireless device adapts the number and frequency of probe messages based on real-time connectivity conditions. When connectivity is good, probe messages are reduced; when connectivity degrades, probe messages are increased. This dynamic approach replaces static over-dimensioning with adaptive monitoring, reducing unnecessary network resources while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of probe message frequency and quantity based on measured connectivity quality. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system achieves reliable connectivity monitoring without requiring permanent over-dimensioned network infrastructure, thus reducing deployment complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple probe messages are continuously sent to verify connectivity for M2M devices, then the reliability of connectivity monitoring is improved, but the power consumption and network resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity verification reliabilityVSAvoidwireless device power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic probe message transmission with variable intervals. Instead of continuous probing, the system sends probe messages at periodic intervals that are dynamically adjusted based on connectivity conditions. When connectivity is stable, intervals are extended; when connectivity degrades, intervals are shortened. This periodic action reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable connectivity verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the probe message transmission dynamic by adjusting the number and frequency of probe messages based on real-time connectivity assessment. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to reduce power consumption during good connectivity conditions while maintaining reliable monitoring when needed, resolving the contradiction between verification reliability and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If manual restoration or replacement of M2M devices is performed when communication failures occur, then the service reliability is restored, but the labor costs and response time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice restorationVSAvoidservice restoration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary detection of connectivity degradation through continuous probe message monitoring. By detecting connectivity issues before complete service failure occurs, the system can trigger pre-configured restoration actions or alert maintenance personnel in advance, reducing both restoration time and labor costs compared to reactive manual intervention after complete failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where probe message responses provide continuous information about connectivity status. This feedback loop enables early detection of degradation trends, allowing for proactive service restoration measures before complete failure, thereby reducing restoration time and manual intervention requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If redundancy measures such as multiple power units and backup nodes are deployed to increase node availability, then the reliability of network operation is improved, but the deployment cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode availabilityVSAvoidnode configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service connectivity monitoring where the wireless device itself performs probe messages to verify its own connectivity status. This eliminates the need for complex network-side monitoring infrastructure and redundant control nodes, achieving reliable availability monitoring through the device's own resources without increasing network deployment complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3114872B1Method and wireless device for managing probe messages
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3114872B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3114872B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3114872B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method and a wireless device (110) for managing probe messages are disclosed. The probe messages are used for verifying a required level of a connectivity for a service of the wireless device (110) towards a wireless network (100). The required level of the connectivity relates to likelihood of maintaining the connectivity towards the wireless network (100). The wireless device (110) estimates an estimated level of the connectivity for the wireless device (110).The wireless device (110) further adjusts an amount of the probe messages based on the required level of the connectivity and the estimated level of the connectivity. Moreover, corresponding computer programs and computer program products are disclosed.