Core network node and method—time coordinated cells for extended discontinuous receive (eDRX)
10694494 · 2020-06-23
Assignee
Inventors
- John Walter Diachina (Garner, NC)
- Paul Schliwa-Bertling (Ljungsbro, SE)
- Nicklas Johansson (Brokind, SE)
Cpc classification
H04W40/005
ELECTRICITY
H04W68/005
ELECTRICITY
H04W76/28
ELECTRICITY
H04L1/1812
ELECTRICITY
H04L2101/654
ELECTRICITY
H04W68/02
ELECTRICITY
Y02D30/70
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
H04W4/70
ELECTRICITY
International classification
G08C17/00
PHYSICS
H04W68/00
ELECTRICITY
H04W76/28
ELECTRICITY
H04W4/70
ELECTRICITY
H04W68/02
ELECTRICITY
Abstract
A core network node (e.g., Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)), a radio access network node (e.g., Base Station Subsystem), and various methods are described herein for realizing time coordinated cells and maintaining a reliability of paging a wireless device (e.g., Machine Type Communications (MTC) device, mobile station).
Claims
1. A core network (CN) node comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, whereby the CN node is operable to: send, to a radio access network (RAN) node, a dummy paging request associated with a wireless device, wherein the dummy paging request includes information for use by the RAN node to calculate a time remaining until a next paging opportunity for the wireless device, and wherein the information comprises an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) of the wireless device and an extended Discontinuous Receive (eDRX) cycle length of the wireless device; and receive, from the RAN node, a dummy paging response which includes the time remaining until a next paging opportunity for the wireless device.
2. The CN node of claim 1, wherein the CN node is further operable to send the dummy paging request as frequently or infrequently as desired to determine the time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device.
3. The CN node of claim 1, wherein the dummy paging request is defined to trigger the RAN node to calculate the time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device and then transmit the dummy paging response which includes the time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device without the RAN node transmitting a paging message over a radio interface to the wireless device.
4. The CN node of claim 1, wherein the CN node is further operable to: maintain an eDRX cycle timer associated with the wireless device by using the obtained time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device and the eDRX cycle length of the wireless device.
5. The CN node of claim 4, wherein the CN node is further operable to perform the maintain operation as follows: obtaining updated information indicating the time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device; and modifying the eDRX cycle timer based on the obtained updated information indicating the time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device.
6. The CN node of claim 4, wherein the CN node is further operable to: set the eDRX cycle timer to expire a predetermined time before the next paging opportunity for the wireless device; upon the expiration of the eDRX cycle timer and based on there being a buffered paging message for the wireless device, transmit one or more paging requests to one or more RAN nodes managing cells comprising a paging area of the wireless device and restart the eDRX cycle timer; and upon the expiration of the eDRX cycle timer and based on there being no buffered paging message for the wireless device, restart the eDRX cycle timer.
7. The CN node of claim 1, wherein: the CN node is a Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN); and the RAN node is a Base Station Subsystem (BSS).
8. A method in a core network (CN) node, the method comprising: sending, to a radio access network (RAN) node, a dummy paging request associated with a wireless device, wherein the dummy paging request includes information for use by the RAN node to calculate a time remaining until a next paging opportunity for the wireless device, and wherein the information comprises an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) of the wireless device and an extended Discontinuous Receive (eDRX) cycle length of the wireless device; and receiving, from the RAN node, a dummy paging response which includes the time remaining until a next paging opportunity for the wireless device.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising sending the dummy paging request as frequently or infrequently as desired to determine the time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the dummy paging request is defined to trigger the RAN node to calculate the time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device and then transmit the dummy paging response which includes the time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device without the RAN node transmitting a paging message over a radio interface to the wireless device.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: maintaining an eDRX cycle timer associated with the wireless device by using the obtained time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device and the eDRX cycle length of the wireless device.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the maintaining step further comprises: obtaining updated information indicating the time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device; and modifying the eDRX cycle timer based on the obtained updated information indicating the time remaining until the next paging opportunity for the wireless device.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: setting the eDRX cycle timer to expire a predetermined time before the next paging opportunity for the wireless device; upon the expiration of the eDRX cycle timer and based on there being a buffered paging message for the wireless device, transmitting one or more paging requests to one or more RAN nodes managing cells comprising a paging area of the wireless device and restarting the eDRX cycle timer; and upon the expiration of the eDRX cycle timer and based on there being no buffered paging message for the wireless device, restarting the eDRX cycle timer.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein: the CN node is a Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN); and the RAN node is a Base Station Subsystem (BSS).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) A more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be obtained by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(15) A discussion is provided first herein to describe an exemplary wireless communication network that includes a CN node (e.g., SGSN, MME), multiple RAN nodes (e.g., BSSs, NodeBs, eNodeBs), and multiple wireless devices (e.g., MSs, MTC devices) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure (see
(16) Exemplary Wireless Communication Network 100
(17) Referring to
(18) The wireless communication network 100 includes the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2 (wireless access nodesonly two shown) which provide network access to the wireless devices 104.sub.1, 104.sub.2, 104.sub.3 . . . 104.sub.n. In this example, the RAN node 102.sub.1 is providing network access to wireless device 104.sub.1 while the RAN node 102.sub.2 is providing network access to wireless devices 104.sub.2, 104.sub.3 . . . 104.sub.n. The RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2 are connected to the core network 106 (e.g., SGSN core network 106) and, in particular, to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107). The core network 106 is connected to an external packet data network (PDN) 108, such as the Internet, and a server 110 (only one shown). The wireless devices 104.sub.1, 104.sub.2, 104.sub.3 . . . 104.sub.n may communicate with one or more servers 110 (only one shown) connected to the core network 106 and/or the PDN 108.
(19) The wireless devices 104.sub.1, 104.sub.2, 104.sub.3 . . . 104.sub.n may refer generally to an end terminal (user) that attaches to the wireless communication network 100, and may refer to either a MTC device (e.g., a smart meter) or a non-MTC device. Further, the term wireless device is generally intended to be synonymous with the term mobile device, mobile station (MS). User Equipment, or UE, as that term is used by 3GPP, and includes standalone wireless devices, such as terminals, cell phones, smart phones, tablets, cellular IoT devices, IoT devices, and wireless-equipped personal digital assistants, as well as wireless cards or modules that are designed for attachment to or insertion into another electronic device, such as a personal computer, electrical meter, etc.
(20) Likewise, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term RAN node 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2 (wireless access node 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2) is used herein in the most general sense to refer to a base station, a wireless access node, or a wireless access point in a wireless communication network 100, and may refer to RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2 that are controlled by a physically distinct radio network controller as well as to more autonomous access points, such as the so-called evolved Node Bs (eNodeBs) in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks.
(21) Each wireless device 104.sub.1, 104.sub.2, 104.sub.3 . . . 104.sub.n may include a transceiver circuit 110.sub.1, 110.sub.2, 110.sub.3 . . . 110.sub.n for communicating with the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2, and a processing circuit 112.sub.1, 112.sub.2, 112.sub.3 . . . 112.sub.n for processing signals transmitted from and received by the transceiver circuit 110.sub.1, 110.sub.2, 110.sub.3 . . . 110.sub.n and for controlling the operation of the corresponding wireless device 104.sub.1, 104.sub.2, 104.sub.3 . . . 104.sub.n. The transceiver circuit 110.sub.1, 110.sub.2, 110.sub.3 . . . 110.sub.n may include a transmitter 114.sub.1, 114.sub.2, 114.sub.3 . . . 114.sub.n and a receiver 116.sub.1, 116.sub.2, 116.sub.3 . . . 116.sub.n, which may operate according to any standard, e.g., the GSM/EDGE standard. The processing circuit 112.sub.1, 112.sub.2, 112.sub.3 . . . 112.sub.n may include a processor 118.sub.1, 118.sub.2, 118.sub.3 . . . 118.sub.n and a memory 120.sub.1, 120.sub.2, 120.sub.3 . . . 120.sub.n for storing program code for controlling the operation of the corresponding wireless device 104.sub.1, 104.sub.2, 104.sub.3 . . . 104.sub.n. The program code may include code for performing the procedures (e.g., transmitting an LLC PDU comprising a RAU Request message, receiving an LLC PDU comprising a RAU Accept message, and transmitting an LLC PDU comprising a RAU Complete message) as described hereinafter.
(22) Each RAN node 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2 (wireless access node 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2) may include a transceiver circuit 122.sub.1 and 122.sub.2 for communicating with wireless devices 104.sub.1, 104.sub.2, 104.sub.3 . . . 104.sub.n, a processing circuit 124.sub.1 and 124.sub.2 for processing signals transmitted from and received by the transceiver circuit 122.sub.1 and 122.sub.2 and for controlling the operation of the corresponding RAN node 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2, and a network interface 126.sub.1 and 126.sub.2 for communicating with the core network 106. The transceiver circuit 122.sub.1 and 122.sub.2 may include a transmitter 128.sub.1 and 128.sub.2 and a receiver 130.sub.1 and 130.sub.2, which may operate according to any standard, e.g., the GSM/EDGE standard. The processing circuit 124.sub.1 and 124.sub.2 may include a processor 132.sub.1 and 132.sub.2, and a memory 134.sub.1 and 134.sub.2 for storing program code for controlling the operation of the corresponding RAN node 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2. The program code may include code for performing the procedures (e.g., receiving an LLC PDU comprising a RAU Request message, transmitting/receiving a BSSGP PDU comprising the RAU Request message, receiving/transmitting a BSSGP PDU comprising a RAU Accept message, IMSI, eDRX cycle length, and coverage class (not applicable for Study of Power Saving for MTC Devices (uPoD devices)), transmitting an LLC PDU comprising the RAU Accept message, receiving an LLC PDU comprising a RAU Complete message, calculating a time remaining until the next paging opportunity, transmitting/receiving a BSSGP PDU comprising the RAU Complete message and the time remaining until the next paging opportunity) as described hereinafter with respect to
(23) The CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107, MME 107) may include a transceiver circuit 136 for communicating with the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2, a processing circuit 138 for processing signals transmitted from and received by the transceiver circuit 136 and for controlling the operation of the CN node 107, a network interface 140 for communicating with the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2, and an eDRX cycle timer 158 for determining the periodicity of paging opportunities for wireless devices 104.sub.1, 104.sub.2, 104.sub.3 . . . 104g. The transceiver circuit 136 may include a transmitter 142 and a receiver 144, which may operate according to any standard, e.g., the GSM/EDGE standard. The processing circuit 138 may include a processor 146 and a memory 148 for storing program code for controlling the operation of the CN node 107. The program code may include code for performing the procedures as described hereinafter with respect to
(24) Time Coordinated Cells and Reliability of Paging a Wireless Device
(25) Realizing Time Coordinated Cells-Radio Interface
(26) One aspect of the present disclosure involves the coordination of paging occasions across the radio interface of multiple cells 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 (for example), thus mitigating the drawbacks resulting from using eDRX as described above in the Background Section. This means that each paging occasion of a wireless device 104.sub.2 (for example) needs to occur at approximately the same time (e.g., within a certain timing accuracy) over the radio interface for each cell 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 in the set of cells 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 used for paging that wireless device 104.sub.2 (see
(27) In general it should be appreciated that per the present disclosure the greater the number of cells within each set of time coordinated cells, the greater the mitigation of the drawbacks described above in the Background Section. Further, the greatest mitigation of these drawbacks will be realized if the paging area consists of a set of time coordinated cells, wherein the paging occasion for any wireless device in that paging area occurs at approximately the same time (e.g., within a predetermined time period) on the respective radio interfaces of these cells.
(28) Realizing Time Coordinated CellsCN Node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107)
(29) One aspect of the present disclosure involves the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) having knowledge of when the paging occasion of a wireless device 104.sub.2 (for example) is approaching within the set of cells 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 comprising the paging area 154 of that wireless device 104.sub.2. This can be realized as follows: upon receiving a LLC PDU (containing a RAU Complete message) from a wireless device 104.sub.2 (for example), a RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) that has knowledge of the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), eDRX cycle length, and coverage class (not applicable for Study of Power Saving for MTC Devices (uPoD devices)) of the corresponding wireless device 104.sub.2 (for example) shall calculate the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 (i.e., in minutes and seconds) for that wireless device 104.sub.2. Thereafter, the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) will forward the received LLC PDU and the corresponding time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 information to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107). An example, of the reception of a LLC PDU from a wireless device 104.sub.2 (for example) wherein the RAN node 102.sub.2 already has the information it needs to calculate the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for that wireless device 104.sub.2 can occur within the context of a modified RAU procedure as shown in
(30) Referring to
(31) 1. The wireless device 104.sub.2 (for example) transmits a LLC PDU 202 which contains a RAU Request to the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2).
(32) 2. The RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) transmits a BSSGP PDU 204 which contains the RAU Request to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107).
(33) 3. The CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) transmits a BSSGP PDU 206 which contains a RAU Accept and the wireless device 104.sub.2's IMSI, eDRX cycle, and coverage class (e.g., the wireless device 104.sub.2's TLLI specific parameters) to the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2). It should be noted that by including the wireless device 104.sub.2's IMSI, eDRX cycle length, and coverage class information within the BSSGP PDU 206 which is used to send (step 3) the RAU Accept to the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2), the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) can now calculate (step 6) the next paging occasion and in particular the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 to which the RAU Accept is being sent. Further, the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) can retain these TLLI specific parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, and coverage class) for a certain minimum amount of time (e.g., 10 seconds).
(34) 4. The RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) transmits a LLC PDU 208 which contains the RAU Accept to the wireless device 104.sub.2.
(35) 5. The wireless device 104.sub.2 transmits a LLC PDU 210 which contains a RAU Complete to the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2).
(36) 6. The RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) calculates the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2. Basically, if the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) receives (step 5) an uplink LLC PDU from the wireless device 104.sub.2 having a TLLI for which the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) still has these TLLI specific parameters, then the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) will calculate (step 6) the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 and include this time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 information along with the received uplink LLC PDU within the BSSGP PDU 212 that the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) sends (step 7) to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107). An example of how the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) can calculate the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 is provided below with respect to TABLE 1 and
(37) 7. The RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) transmits a BSSGP PDU 212 which contains the RAU Complete and the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107).
(38) Note: Steps 3, 6 and 7 involve new functionality when comparing the legacy RAU procedure and the modified RAU procedure in accordance with the present disclosure. A discussion is provided below which describes some exemplary ways that the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) can utilize the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 to realize time coordinated cells 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 and maintain a reliability of paging the wireless device 104.sub.2 in accordance with the present disclosure.
(39) Referring to
(40) 1. The CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) transmits a paging request 302 to the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2). The paging request 302 includes the wireless device 104.sub.2's IMSI, eDRX cycle, and coverage class (e.g., the wireless device 104.sub.2's TLLI specific parameters). The RAN node 102.sub.2 stores the TLLI specific parameters needed to calculate the next paging opportunity 156 for the indicated wireless device 104.sub.2 for a certain minimum amount of time (e.g., 10 seconds).
(41) 2. The RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) transmits a paging request 304 to the wireless device 104.sub.2.
(42) 3. The wireless device 104.sub.2 transmits a paging response 306 to the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2).
(43) 4. The RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) calculates the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2. An example of how the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) can calculate the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 is provided below with respect to TABLE 1 and
(44) 5. The RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) transmits a page response 308 which contains the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107).
(45) Note: Steps 1, 4 and 5 involve new functionality when comparing the legacy paging procedure to the modified paging procedure in accordance with the present disclosure. A discussion is provided below which describes some exemplary ways that the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) can utilize the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 to realize time coordinated cells 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 and maintain a reliability of paging the wireless device 104.sub.2 in accordance with the present disclosure.
(46) Referring to
(47) 1. The CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) transmits a dummy paging request 402 to the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2). The dummy paging request 402 includes the wireless device 104.sub.2's IMSI, eDRX cycle, and coverage class (e.g., the wireless device 104.sub.2's TLLI specific parameters). Further, the dummy paging request 402 is defined to trigger the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) to calculate (step 2) the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 and then transmit (step 3) a corresponding dummy paging response 404 which includes the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107). In this example, the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) upon receiving the specially defined dummy paging request 402 does not transmit a paging message over a radio interface to the wireless device 104.sub.2.
(48) 2. The RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) calculates the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2. An example of how the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) can calculate the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 is provided below with respect to TABLE 1 and
(49) 3. The RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2) transmits a dummy page response 404 which contains the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107). The dummy paging mechanism associated with steps 1 and 3, allows the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) to verify its understanding of when the next paging opportunity will occur for a given wireless device 104.sub.2 (for example), and therefore, may be used as frequently or infrequently as desired by the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107).
(50) Note: Steps 1, 2 and 3 are associated with a new dummy paging procedure in accordance with the present disclosure. A discussion is provided below which describes some exemplary ways that the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) can utilize the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 to realize time coordinated cells 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 and maintain a reliability of paging the wireless device 104.sub.2 in accordance with the present disclosure.
(51) In continuing the discussion associated with the various procedures discussed above with respect to
(52) The CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) uses the reception of an LLC PDU (e.g.,
(53) The CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) can set the eDRX cycle timer 158 to expire a predetermined time (e.g., few seconds) before the next paging opportunity to ensure the paging requests (if any) for wireless device 104.sub.2 arrive at the set of RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2 (BSS 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2) associated with the paging area 154 of the wireless device 104.sub.2 before the paging opportunity for the wireless device 104.sub.2 occurs on the radio interfaces of the time coordinated cells 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2. In this regard, the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) creates a paging request upon the reception of a N-PDU for the wireless device 104.sub.2, and the paging request is buffered in the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) until the expiration of the eDRX cycle timer 158 of the corresponding wireless device 104.sub.2. If there is a buffered paging request when the eDRX cycle timer 158 expires, then the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) transmits paging requests to the appropriate set of RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2) which are managing the cells 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 of the applicable paging area 154 of the wireless device 104.sub.2) and restarts the eDRX cycle timer 158. Upon receiving the paging request, the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2) each calculate the precise and substantially same paging opportunity on the radio interface of the cell 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 that it manages using the IMSI, the eDRX cycle length and the coverage class (absent for uPoD devices) information included within the paging request for the wireless device 104.sub.2. On the other hand, if there is no buffered paging request when the eDRX cycle timer 158 expires, then the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) restarts the eDRX cycle timer 158 based on its knowledge of the eDRX cycle length of the wireless device 104.sub.2.
(54) One exemplary way the RAN node 102.sub.2 (for example) can calculate the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 has been described in GP-150133 entitled EC-GSM-Paging Group Determination and GP-150259 entitled Pseudo CR 45.820-EC-GSM, Paging Group Determination both submitted to GERAN #65, Mar. 9-13, 2015 (the contents of these documents are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes). In this example, when sending a paging request to the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2), the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) includes an indication of the eDRX cycle, DL CC and IMSI associated with the target wireless device 104.sub.2 (for example) thereby allowing the RAN node 102.sub.2 to determine the next occurrence of the nominal paging group for that wireless device 104.sub.2 within its eDRX cycle as follows: N is the number of paging groups corresponding to a given DL CC within a given eDRX cycle and is determined based on EXTENDED_DRX_MFRMS, EC_PCH_BLKS_MFRM, and CC_EC_PCH_BLKS where: EXTENDED_DRX_MFRMS is the number of 51-multiframes per eDRX cycle determined as per TABLE 1 (GP-150133's_Table 1) below. EC_PCH_BLKS_MFRM indicates the number of EC-PCH blocks (i.e., the number of 2 bursts blocks) per 51-multiframe. For EC-GSM this can be fixed at 16 which is the equivalent of the legacy PCH BLKS MFRM parameter indicating 8 PCH blocks per 51-multiframe. CC_EC_PCH_BLKS is the number of EC-PCH blocks required for a given DL CC (where the number of blind transmission required for any given DL CC is pre-defined by the specifications). The set of eDRX cycle lengths identified by TABLE 1 (GP-150133's Table 1) is selected such that each member of the set occurs an integral number of times within the full TDMA FN space. N=(EC_PCH_BLKS_MFRMEXTENDED_DRX_MFRMS)/CC_EC_PCH_BLKS. The EC-PCH CC1 block for a device using a given eDRX cycle is determined based on where the nominal paging group occurs for DL CC=1 (i.e., CC_EC_PCH_BLKS=1) EC-PCH CC1 block=mod (IMSI, N) where N=(16EXTENDED_DRX_MFRMS)/1.
(55) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Set of eDRX Cycles Supported eDRX Cycle Value Target eDRX Number of 51-MF per eDRX Cycle eDRX Cycles per (EXTENDED_DRX) Cycle Length (EXTENDED_DRX_MFRMS) TDMA FN Space 0 ~24.5 seconds 104 512 1 ~49 seconds 208 256 2 ~1.63 minutes 416 128 3 ~3.25 minutes 832 64 4 ~6.5 minutes 1664 32 5 ~13 minutes 3328 16 6 ~26 minutes 6656 8 7 ~52 minutes 13312 4 Note 1: 53248 51-multiframes occur with the TDMA FN space (2715648 TDMA frames) Note 2: All remaining EXTENDED_DRX values are reserved
Example
(56) IMSI=00000000 01001001 00110000 00000001=4796417 and EXTENDED_DRX_MFRMS=6656 (i.e., the eDRX cycle26 minutes) N=16*6656=106496. CC1 Nominal Paging Group=mod (IMSI, 106496)=4097 which occurs in the 4098.sup.th EC-PCH block of the eDRX cycle (i.e., in the 2.sup.nd EC-PCH block in 51-multiframe #257. The nominal paging groups associated with other DL CC for the same IMSI and eDRX cycle length are as shown in FIG. 6.2.4.3-1 (e.g., the nominal paging group for DL CC 2 occurs in the 1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd EC-PCH blocks of 51-multiframe #257).
(57) As can be seen in
(58) It should be understood that a RAN node 102.sub.2 (for example) always has precise knowledge of the ongoing transmission of specific TDMA frames over the radio interface corresponding to each of the set of cells it manages. As such, once the RAN node 102.sub.2 determines the nominal paging group of a wireless device 104.sub.2 (for example) it can calculate the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for that wireless device 104.sub.2. It should also be appreciated that there are other ways in addition to the one described herein as disclosed in GP-150133 and GP-150259 that the RAN node 102.sub.2 can use to calculate the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156.
(59) Basic Functionalities-Configurations of CN Node 107 and RAN Node 102.sub.2 (for Example)
(60) Referring to
(61) 1. The CN node 107 can per step 602 obtain from one of the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 or 102.sub.2, the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) receiving a first BSSGP PDU 204 containing a RAU Request from one RAN node 102.sub.2 (for example), wherein the RAU Request is associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 602a1); (2) transmitting a second BSSGP PDU 206 containing a RAU Accept to the one RAN node 102.sub.2, wherein the second BSSGP PDU 206 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 602a2); and (3) receiving a third BSSGP PDU 212 containing a RAU Complete from the one RAN node 102.sub.2, wherein the third BSSGP PDU 212 includes the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 602a3). See also
(62) 2. The CN node 107 can per step 602 obtain from one of the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 or 102.sub.2, the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) transmitting a paging request 302 to the one RAN node 102.sub.2 (for example), wherein the paging request 302 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 602b1); and (2) receiving a paging response 308 from the one RAN node 102.sub.2, wherein the paging response 308 includes the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 602b2). See also
(63) 3. The CN node 107 can per step 602 obtain from one of the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 or 102.sub.2, the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) transmitting a dummy paging request 402 to the one RAN node 102.sub.2 (for example), wherein the dummy paging request 402 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 602c1); and (2) receiving a dummy paging response 404 from the one RAN node 102.sub.2, wherein the dummy paging response 404 includes the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 602c2) (note: the dummy paging response 404 corresponds to the dummy paging request 402, i.e., when a given dummy paging response 404 is received it always corresponds to one specific previously transmitted dummy paging request 402). See also
(64) At step 604, the CN node 107 maintains an eDRX cycle timer 158 associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 by using the obtained time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 and an eDRX cycle length associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2. For example, the CN node 107 can maintain the eDRX cycle timer 158 by: (1) obtaining updated information indicating the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 604a) (note: the updated information can be obtained as frequently or infrequently as desired by the CN node 107); and (2) modifying the eDRX cycle timer 158 based on the obtained updated information indicating the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 604b). At step 606, the CN node 107 sets the eDRX cycle timer 158 to expire a predetermined time (e.g., few seconds) before the next paging opportunity for the wireless device 104.sub.2. Upon the expiration of the eDRX cycle timer 158 and based on there being a buffered paging message for the wireless device 104.sub.2, the CN node 107 at step 608 transmits a set of paging requests to the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2 managing the cells 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 comprising the paging area 154 of the wireless device 104.sub.2 and restarts the eDRX cycle timer 158 (recall: the CN node 107 will buffer a paging message for the wireless device 104.sub.2 upon receiving a N-PDU for the wireless device 104.sub.2). Upon the expiration of the eDRX cycle timer 158 and based on there being no buffered paging message for the wireless device 104.sub.2, the CN node 107 at step 610 restarts the eDRX cycle timer 158.
(65) Referring to
(66) 1. The obtain module 702 can obtain from one of the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 or 102.sub.2, the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) receiving a first BSSGP PDU 204 containing a RAU Request from one RAN node 102.sub.2 (for example), wherein the RAU Request is associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (first receive module 702a1); (2) transmitting a second BSSGP PDU 206 containing a RAU Accept to the one RAN node 102.sub.2, wherein the second BSSGP PDU 206 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (transmit module 702a2); and (3) receiving a third BSSGP PDU 212 containing a RAU Complete from the one RAN node 102.sub.2, wherein the third BSSGP PDU 212 includes the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 (second receive module 702a3). See also
(67) 2. The obtain module 702 can obtain from one of the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 or 102.sub.2, the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) transmitting a paging request 302 to the one RAN node 102.sub.2 (for example), wherein the paging request 302 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (transmit module 702b1); and (2) receiving a paging response 308 from the one RAN node 102.sub.2, wherein the paging response 308 includes the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 (receive module 702b2). See also
(68) 3. The obtain module 702 can obtain from one of the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 or 102.sub.2, the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) transmitting a dummy paging request 402 to the one RAN node 102.sub.2 (for example), wherein the dummy paging request 402 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (transmit module 702c1); and (2) receiving a dummy paging response 404 from the one RAN node 102.sub.2, wherein the dummy paging response 404 includes the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 (receive module 702c2) (note: the dummy paging response 404 corresponds to the dummy paging request 402, i.e., when a given dummy paging response 404 is received it always corresponds to one specific previously transmitted dummy paging request 402). See also
(69) The maintain module 704 is configured to maintain an eDRX cycle timer 158 associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 by using the obtained time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 and an eDRX cycle length associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2. For example, the maintain module 704 can maintain the eDRX cycle timer 158 by: (1) obtaining updated information indicating the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 (note: the updated information can be obtained as frequently or infrequently as desired by the maintain module 704); and (2) modifying the eDRX cycle timer 158 based on the obtained updated information indicating the time remaining until the next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2. The set module 706 is configured to set the eDRX cycle timer 158 to expire a predetermined time (e.g., few seconds) before the next paging opportunity for the wireless device 104.sub.2. Upon the expiration of the eDRX cycle timer 158 and based on there being a buffered paging message for the wireless device 104.sub.2, the transmit-restart module 708 is configured to transmit a set of paging requests to the RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2 managing the cells 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 comprising the paging area 154 of the wireless device 104.sub.2 and restart the eDRX cycle timer 158 (recall: the CN node 107 will buffer a paging message for the wireless device 104.sub.2 upon receiving a N-PDU for the wireless device 104.sub.2). Upon the expiration of the eDRX cycle timer 158 and based on there being no buffered paging message for the wireless device 104.sub.2, the restart module 710 is configured to restart the eDRX cycle timer 158. Further, it should be noted that the CN node 107 may also include other components, modules or structures which are well-known, but for clarity, only the components, modules or structures needed to describe the features of the present disclosure are described herein.
(70) As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the above-described modules 702, 704, 706, 708, and 710 of the CN node 107 may be implemented separately as suitable dedicated circuits. Further, the modules 702, 704, 706, 708, and 710 can also be implemented using any number of dedicated circuits through functional combination or separation. In some embodiments, the modules 702, 704, 706, 708, and 710 may be even combined in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As an alternative software-based implementation, the CN node 107 may comprise a memory 148, a processor 146 (including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.) and a transceiver 136. The memory 148 stores machine-readable program code executable by the processor 146 to cause the CN node 107 to perform the steps of the above-described method 600.
(71) Referring to
(72) Referring to
(73) As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the above-described modules 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, and 912 of the CN node 107 may be implemented separately as suitable dedicated circuits. Further, the modules 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, and 912 can also be implemented using any number of dedicated circuits through functional combination or separation. In some embodiments, the modules 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, and 912 may be even combined in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As an alternative software-based implementation, the CN node 107 may comprise a memory 148, a processor 146 (including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.) and a transceiver 136. The memory 148 stores machine-readable program code executable by the processor 146 to cause the CN node 107 to perform the steps of the above-described method 800.
(74) Referring to
(75) 1. The RAN node 102.sub.2 can per step 1002 provide the CN node 107 with the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) transmitting a first BSSGP PDU 204 containing a RAU Request to the CN node 107, wherein the RAU Request is associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 1002a1); (2) receiving a second BSSGP PDU 206 containing a RAU Accept from the CN node 107, wherein the second BSSGP PDU 206 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 1002a2); (3) calculating the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 using at least the TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 1002a3) (e.g., see description associated with TABLE 1 and
(76) 2. The RAN node 102.sub.2 can per step 1002 provide the CN node 107 with the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) receiving a paging request 302 from the CN node 107, wherein the paging request 302 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 1002b1); (2) transmitting a paging message 304 to the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 1002b2); (3) receiving a first paging response 306 from the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 1002b3); (4) calculating the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 using at least the TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 1002b4) (e.g., see description associated with TABLE 1 and
(77) 3. The RAN node 102.sub.2 can per step 1002 provide the CN node 107 with the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) receiving a dummy paging request 402 from the CN node 107, wherein the dummy paging request 402 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 1002c1); (2) upon receiving the dummy paging request 402 do not transmit a paging message over the radio interface to the wireless device 104.sub.2 but instead calculate the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 using at least the TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (step 1002c2) (e.g., see description associated with TABLE 1 and
(78) Referring to
(79) 1. The provide module 110.sub.2 can be configured to provide the CN node 107 with the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) transmitting a first BSSGP PDU 204 containing a RAU Request to the CN node 107, wherein the RAU Request is associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (first transmit module 1102a1); (2) receiving a second BSSGP PDU 206 containing a RAU Accept from the CN node 107, wherein the second BSSGP PDU 206 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (receive module 1102a2); (3) calculating the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 using at least the TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (calculate module 1102a3) (e.g., see description associated with TABLE 1 and
(80) 2. The provide module 110.sub.2 can be configured to provide the CN node 107 with the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) receiving a paging request 302 from the CN node 107, wherein the paging request 302 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (first receive module 1102b1); (2) transmitting a paging message 304 to the wireless device 104.sub.2 (first transmit module 1002b2); (3) receiving a first paging response 306 from the wireless device 104.sub.2 (second receive module 1102b3); (4) calculating the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 using at least the TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (calculate module 1102b4) (e.g., see description associated with TABLE 1 and
(81) 3. The provide module 110.sub.2 can be configured to provide the CN node 107 with the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 by: (1) receiving a dummy paging request 402 from the CN node 107, wherein the dummy paging request 402 includes TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (receive module 1102c1); (2) upon receiving the dummy paging request 402 do not transmit a paging message over the radio interface to the wireless device 104.sub.2 but instead calculate the time remaining until a next paging opportunity 156 for the wireless device 104.sub.2 using at least the TLLI parameters (e.g., IMSI, eDRX cycle length, coverage class (not applicable for uPoD devices)) associated with the wireless device 104.sub.2 (calculate module 1102c2) (e.g., see description associated with TABLE 1 and
(82) As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the above-described module 110.sub.2 of the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2, NodeB 102.sub.2, eNodeB 102.sub.2) may be implemented by suitable dedicated circuit(s). Further, the module 110.sub.2 can also be implemented using any number of dedicated circuits through functional combination or separation. In some embodiments, the module 110.sub.2 may be even combined in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As an alternative software-based implementation, the RAN node 102.sub.2 may comprise a memory 134.sub.2, a processor 132.sub.2 (including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.) and a transceiver 122.sub.2. The memory 134.sub.2 stores machine-readable program code executable by the processor 132.sub.2 to cause the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2, NodeB 102.sub.2, eNodeB 102.sub.2) to perform the steps of the above-described method 1000. It should be appreciated that the other RAN nodes 102.sub.1 (for example) can also be configured in a similar manner as the RAN node 102.sub.2 to perform method 1000.
(83) Referring to
(84) Referring to
(85) As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the above-described modules 130.sub.2, 130.sub.4, and 130.sub.6 of the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2, NodeB 102.sub.2, eNodeB 102.sub.2) may be implemented by suitable dedicated circuits. Further, the modules 130.sub.2, 130.sub.4, and 130.sub.6 can also be implemented using any number of dedicated circuits through functional combination or separation. In some embodiments, the modules 130.sub.2, 130.sub.4, and 130.sub.6 may be even combined in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As an alternative software-based implementation, the RAN node 102.sub.2 may comprise a memory 134.sub.2, a processor 132.sub.2 (including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.) and a transceiver 122.sub.2. The memory 134.sub.2 stores machine-readable program code executable by the processor 132.sub.2 to cause the RAN node 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.2, NodeB 102.sub.2, eNodeB 102.sub.2) to perform the steps of the above-described method 120.sub.0. It should be appreciated that the other RAN nodes 102.sub.1 (for example) can also be configured in a similar manner as the RAN node 102.sub.2 to perform method 1200.
(86) In view of the foregoing, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure discloses a CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107), RAN nodes 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2 (e.g., BSS 102.sub.1 and 102.sub.2), and various methods 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 that address the drawbacks of the state-of-the-art by realizing time coordinated cells 152.sub.1 and 152.sub.2 and maintaining a reliability of paging a wireless device 104.sub.2 (e.g., MTC device 104.sub.2, mobile station 104.sub.2). The present disclosure has several advantages some of which are as follows: the techniques of realizing time coordinated cells described herein allows for maintaining a reliability of paging for wireless devices using eDRX cycle lengths that is equivalent to that associated with wireless devices using legacy DXR cycle lengths. In addition, the techniques of providing a CN node (e.g., SGSN) with information about time remaining until the next paging opportunity for wireless devices described herein may be seen as relatively less complex and inexpensive compared to solutions that rely on (a) the CN node (e.g., SGSN) needing to know about the radio interface related frame structures used to determine exact paging occasions, or (b) the wireless devices being equipped with GPS receivers for conveying precise time of day information to the CN node (e.g., SGSN).
(87) The techniques described herein are applicable to any Radio Access Technology (RAT), wherein the controlling core network node (e.g., SGSN, Mobility Management Entity (MME), or similar) needs to know when the paging opportunity occurs on the radio interface, wherein the RAN (e.g., Base Station System (BSS), Node B (Nb), evolved Nb (eNb), or similar), during active data transfer, provides the controlling core network nodes with timing information of the radio interface, and/or wherein the information to calculate the radio interface timing is provided by the controlling core network node. It is further to be noted that the information needed to determine the radio interface timing may vary from system to system, and thus, may be solution dependent.
(88) Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of the term exemplary is used herein to mean illustrative, or serving as an example, and is not intended to imply that a particular embodiment is preferred over another or that a particular feature is essential. Likewise, the terms first and second, and similar terms, are used simply to distinguish one particular instance of an item or feature from another, and do not indicate a particular order or arrangement, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the term step, as used herein, is meant to be synonymous with operation or action. Any description herein of a sequence of steps does not imply that these operations must be carried out in a particular order, or even that these operations are carried out in any order at all, unless the context or the details of the described operation clearly indicates otherwise.
(89) Of course, the present disclosure may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. One or more of the specific processes discussed above may be carried out in a cellular phone or other communications transceiver comprising one or more appropriately configured processing circuits, which may in some embodiments be embodied in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In some embodiments, these processing circuits may comprise one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, and/or digital signal processors programmed with appropriate software and/or firmware to carry out one or more of the operations described above, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, these processing circuits may comprise customized hardware to carry out one or more of the functions described above. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
(90) Although multiple embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but instead is also capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the present disclosure that as has been set forth and defined within the following claims.