Signalling Minimization Framework for Short Data Packet Transmission in 5G

Current cellular networks are mainly designed for the transmission of broadband packet payloads. Due to this, signalling mechanisms are inefficient for small packet payloads. Future trends predict an explosion of sporadic small packet transmissions due to machine type and always-ON type applications. Therefore, we target signalling minimization in 5G. In particular, we define user and service centric connection and mobility management by 5G radio access network (5G-RAN). The key idea is to anchor the core network connection for a user in 5G-RAN with the help of a user centric mobility area. This area is dynamically managed by 5G-RAN for each user. For a mobile user within this area, we minimize the core network signalling related to connection transitions, paging and handover. We present the performance assessment of our proposal with the help of simulations. The results show significant gains in terms of signalling reduction with respect to 4G-LTE approach.