Signalling method for mobile communications network

Abstract

In this study, a novel and generic signalling method is proposed that results in a significant reduction in signalling messages exchanged between a user equipment and the network over the air interface. Reduction of signalling messages in future mobile cellular systems is an important issue because of the current trend of deploying smaller cells while achieving higher than expected data area capacities. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this method within the standard constraints, some signalling procedures of the 3rd generation mobile standard, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), are investigated. In one application, the number of UMTS packet switch call setup messages was reduced down to three messages only. In such a scenario, measurements show that the gains in comparison with prior call setup is 61% in the duration of the call setup, 50% in the downlink processing delays, 93% in the downlink radio power transmission and 79% in the uplink radio power transmission.

Keywords

• telecommunication signalling
• message switching
• 3G mobile communication
• packet switching
• signalling method
• mobile communications network
• air interface
• mobile cellular systems
• 3rd generation mobile standard
• universal mobile telecommunication system
• UMTS
• packet switch call setup messages
• radio power transmission
• signalling messages