Lightweight data transmission mechanism

摘要

User plane data is sent between a user device and a network entity within a packet core network via a radio access network. The user device is authenticated to the network entity, and a Security Association between the user device and the network entity is established. The user device is maintained in a connectionless state such that no Security Association is established between the user device and the radio access network, and no data bearer is set up between the user device and said packet core network. With the user device in the connectionless state, uplink and downlink user plane data is sent between the user device and the network entity by including the data within signalling messages on a Non Access Stratum plane.

主权项

1. A method of sending user plane data between a user device and a network entity within a packet core network via a radio access network, the method comprising:
1) authenticating the user device to the network entity and establishing a Security Association between the user device and the network entity; 2) maintaining the user device in a connectionless state, such that no Security Association is established between the user device and the radio access network and no data bearer is set up between the user device and said packet core network; 3) with the user device in said connectionless state, sending uplink and downlink user plane data between the user device and said network entity by including the data within encrypted, protocol layer 2 signalling messages on Non Access Stratum functionality operating between the user device and the network entity within the packet core network; 4) storing, at said network entity, an identity of a base station within the radio access network following receipt by network entity of a protocol layer 2 signalling message from said user device; and 5) using that identity to determine a routing path for a subsequent signalling message destined for that user device.