WO2015199584A1

WO2015199584A1 - Prioritizing data traffic from and/or to devices in a wireless network

Info

Publication number: WO2015199584A1
Application number: PCT/SE2014/050770
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicolas Seyvet; Mattias LIDSTRÖM; Rickard CÖSTER
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2014-06-23
Filing date: 2014-06-23
Publication date: 2015-12-30

Abstract

The invention relates to a method performed in a network element (6) for prioritizing data traffic from and/or to one or more devices (3a, 3b) in a wireless network (2). The method comprises establishing a priority level for each of the one or more devices (3a, 3b), wherein a priority level compared to a priority threshold level either prevents or allows transmission of data from and/or to a device (3a, 3b), and providing the established priority levels to the one or more devices (3a, 3b). The invention relates to a corresponding network element (6), and also to method in device (3a, 3b), device (3a, 3b), computer programs and computer program products.

Description

PRIORITIZING DATA TRAFFIC FROM AND/OR TO DEVICES IN A

WIRELESS NETWORK

Technical field

The invention relates to a method for prioritizing data traffic from and/or to one or more devices in a wireless network, a method for sending messages over a wireless network, a network element for prioritizing data traffic from and/or to one or more devices in a wireless network, a device for sending messages over a wireless network, and corresponding computer programs and computer program products.

Background

In a future "Networked society" various types of devices are envisioned to be interconnected over wireless communication networks. A huge number of such devices can be expected, comprising conventional user-operated user equipment (UE) as well as machine-type-communication (MTC) devices. An MTC device (also denoted Machine-to-machine, M2M, device or Internet-of-Things, IoT, device) can be distinguished from a conventional user-operated UE in that the former can, without human intervention, communicate with another wireless device, which in turn can be a MTC device or a conventional UE (for example a smart phone). The MTC devices may be used for applications such as gathering sensor data in vehicles, sensing environmental conditions (e.g., temperature reading), metering or

measurement (e.g., electricity usage etc.), fault finding, or error detection etc.

The devices, i.e., the UEs as well as mobile and stationary MTC devices (e.g., sensors) utilizing the wireless communication network may potentially create a high number of data streams adding up to high data volumes. When the devices are congested geographically the data streams may all be provided to a single network node for handling, e.g., a radio access node. There may, for example, be a traffic jam involving a large number of vehicles which comprise devices such as sensors and/ or sensor modules that are in data communication with the wireless communication network. The sensors are then located geographically such as to potentially require much communication resources from a single network node, whereupon there is a traffic congestion (or bottleneck) also in the wireless communication network and possibly a shortage of communication resources for meeting the demand. Sensors having critical data to send and needing immediate transmission may then fail to communicate the data in such situations. Further, some sensors may have large amounts of data to transmit, further adding to the congestion situation in the wireless communication network.

It is known to prioritize data packets in, e.g., a radio access node, for instance giving delay-critical data priority over delay-tolerant data and thus sending these packets first. A shortcoming of this approach is that the radio access node may still be overloaded in a situation as the above, having vast amount of data traffic to handle, and in case there is much high-priority data to send, critical data transmissions may fail to be timely sent.

Summary

An object of the present invention is to solve or at least alleviate at least one of the above mentioned problems.

The object is according to a first aspect achieved by a method performed in a network element for prioritizing data traffic from and/or to one or more devices in a wireless network. The method comprises establishing a priority level for each of the one or more devices, wherein a priority level compared to a priority threshold level either prevents or allows transmission of data from and/ or to a device, and providing the established priority levels to the one or more devices.

By means of the method traffic from the devices can be controlled in an efficient manner, so as to allow the wireless network to function properly while at the same time allowing all devices to communicate based on the importance of the data messages to be sent, or received. Some devices may be prevented from sending data, thereby reducing the amount of data in the wireless network. Messages will be sent only if they are considered critical enough by the wireless network. The amount of data sent in the wireless network may thus be limited to the most critical data, e.g., during a congestion situation, by the wireless network adapting the level of criticality at which messages are allowed to be sent from devices.

Further, the establishing of a priority level for each of the one or more devices also makes it possible to detect faulting devices without explicit messages from the devices, but by them failing to acknowledge system level messages. The object is according to a second aspect achieved by a network element for prioritizing data traffic from and/or to one or more devices in a wireless network. The network element comprises a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the network element to establish a priority level for each of the one or more devices, wherein a priority level compared to a priority threshold level either prevents or allows transmission of data from a device, and to provide the established priority levels to the one or more devices.

The object is according to a third aspect achieved by a computer program comprising computer program code for causing a network element to perform the method for prioritizing data traffic when the computer program code is executed on a processor of the network element.

The object is according to a fourth aspect achieved by a computer program product comprising a computer program as above, and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored.

The object is according to a fifth aspect achieved by a method performed in a device for sending messages over a wireless network. The method comprises receiving a first priority level from a network element of the wireless network, establishing a second priority level of a message to be sent, and sending the message if the established second priority level is such as to allow the message to be sent in view of the received first priority level.

The object is according to a sixth aspect achieved by a device for sending messages over a wireless network. The device comprises a processor, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the device to receive a first priority level from a network element of the wireless network, establish a second priority level of a message to be sent, and send the message if the established second priority level is such as to allow the message to be sent in view of the received first priority level.

The object is according to a seventh aspect achieved by a computer program comprising computer program code for causing a device to perform the method for sending messages over a wireless network when the computer program code is executed on a processor of the device. The object is according to an eight aspect achieved by a computer program product comprising a computer program as above, and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored.

Further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become clear upon reading the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure l illustrates schematically an environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented.

Figure 2 is a flow chart over a method in a network element.

Figure 3 shows graphs illustrating an aspect of the present invention, in particular correlation between sensor data and ranking of the sensors.

Figure 4 is a map illustrating an aspect of the present invention, in particular correlation between network load and sensor needs.

Figure 5 is a flow chart over priority level calculation.

Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart over steps of a method in a network element in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a network element and means for implementing embodiments of the methods of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a network element comprising function modules/ software modules for implementing embodiments of methods of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart over steps of a method in a machine device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates schematically a machine device and means for implementing embodiments of the methods of the present invention.

Figure 11 illustrates a machine device comprising function modules/ software modules for implementing embodiments of methods of the present invention. Detailed description

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description with unnecessary detail. Same reference numerals refer to same or similar elements throughout the description.

In order to address situations such as the one described in the background section, a prioritization among the devices (e.g., sensors) is made. It may, for instance, be necessary to prioritize among the devices, e.g., prioritize which devices are in most need of sending sensor data in order to solve or prevent any data traffic congestion that may occur in the wireless communication network. In various aspects, the present invention provides methods, nodes, and devices, for prioritizing among the devices, and also which parts of the device data that is relevant to send during particular events.

In an aspect, the present invention provides methods and devices to decide which sensors and what data from the sensors to prioritize, for a given cell or network area and time.

Figure l illustrates schematically an environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. A communication system l may comprise a wireless network 2, external data networks 3, and various devices able to

communicate wirelessly over the wireless network 2. Examples of such devices are, e.g., user operated communication devices and machine type devices. The machine type devices are often referred to as Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices, Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices, or Internet of Things (IoT) devices (web- connected devices communicating with applications running on Internet servers) and may comprise sensors, such as sensors gathering sensor data in vehicles or sensing environmental conditions (e.g., temperature reading), or devices metering or measuring, e.g., electricity usage etc., smoke detectors, devices arranged in lamp posts communicating functional status thereof etc. The wireless network 2 may for example comprise a cellular network such as a 3G, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) or LTE+ enabled network.

The wireless network 2 may comprise a radio access part comprising radio access nodes, often denoted base stations, or evolved Node B (eNB) in case of LTE. The radio access node 7 is arranged to communicate wirelessly with the devices 3a, 3b over a radio interface. The radio access node 7 may control one or more geographical areas, denoted cells, within which it provides the wireless communication to the devices 3a, 3b. The wireless network 2 may comprise nodes such as, e.g., Gateway GPRS support node (GGSN), Serving GPRS support node (SGSN) etc., such nodes collectively being indicated at reference numeral 8. The wireless network 2 may further comprise an Operations Support system (OSS) 9 and a Business Support System (BSS) 10, and still other particular nodes and functions not explicitly illustrated. Network status and various statistics maybe obtained from such OSS 9 and BSS 10, which status and/or statistics may, in an aspect of the present invention, be used for predicting if a need to prioritize among the data to/from the devices 3a, 3b might occur.

The wireless network 2 comprises a network element 6, implementing embodiments of various aspects of the present invention. The network element 6 may be

implemented as a part of an existing network node or as a standalone node or device. The functions of the network element 6 will be described later, comprising, e.g., a priority level optimizer function 12 and a Network predictor function 11.

The communication system 1 may further comprise other networks, e.g., computer network(s) 13, e.g. Internet, (illustrated by a single server in the figure 1) connected to the wireless network 2. Such computer network 13 may comprise application servers running applications that communicate with the machine type devices 3a, 3b, e.g., requesting data from them or providing instructions, and receiving corresponding data.

The machine devices 3a, 3b may comprise more or less stationary machine devices, e.g., arranged in refrigerators, lampposts etc., as well as mobile machine devices, e.g., arranged in vehicles and moving over large areas. There may also be machine devices that have a more limited range within which they move, e.g., only within an industrial plant. These machine devices will in the following be denoted simply devices 3a, 3b.

The devices 3a, 3b may comprise sensors or receive data from sensors. For example, a device 3a, 3b arranged in a vehicle may be configured to communicate with a data collector of the vehicle, e.g., an On-Board Diagnostics system of the vehicle that gathers data from various sensors of the vehicle, such as sensors sensing speed, oil pressure, fuel level, fuel consumption, engine temperature etc. The device 3a, 3b may for example communicate with the data collector using a short-distance radio technology such as Bluetooth. In other instances the device 3a, 3b itself comprise sensors, i.e., may be seen as a sensor device able to communicate over the wireless network 2. That is, the denotations "device" and "sensor" may be exchangeable.

In figure 1, a first device 3a comprises a first set of sensors 4 or receives sensor data from the sensors 41 i = 1,..., n of the first set of sensors 4, and a second device 3b comprises a second set of sensors 5 or receives sensor data from the sensors 51 i = 1,..., m of the second set of sensors 5. Although only two such devices are illustrated, it is realized that the number thereof may be huge.

In an aspect of the present invention, each device 3a, 3b is provided with a priority level relating to admissibility of messages from the devices 3a, 3b (and also

admissibility of messages to the devices). The device 3a, 3b receives its priority level from the wireless network 2, and this priority level may be assigned for the individual device 3a, 3b or for a group of devices according to a device category. The device category maybe based, e.g., on a type of device: all vehicle sensors may for instance be categorized as a first group of devices, and lamp posts as a second group of devices, etc. As another example, the device category may be based on how much data the devices are expected to communicate. Each device category may then be given a respective priority level (as opposed to giving each individual device within a group an individual priority level).

Internally, within the device 3a, 3b, all messages to be sent over the wireless network 2 are also given a certain priority, in particular giving each message a priority level. If a message has a priority level that is higher than the device priority level, and the device 3a, 3b is permitted to send at that priority level (as determined by the wireless network 2), then the message will be sent. If the message's priority level is lower than the device priority level, the device 3a, 3b is thus efficiently prevented from sending the message.

In order to control the admissible device priority level, the network element 6 assigns, in an embodiment, the device priority level by using a weighting scheme. Each device or group of devices (e.g., based on type of device) may be given a relative importance, i.e., an importance in relation to each other. Each device or group of devices may thus be given a weight in relation to each other based on importance, a higher weight typically indicting a higher importance. Such weighting scheme may for example be based on the current load of a cell and network site, and/ or based on classification of the devices 3a, 3b, the sensors thereof and information about how much data is anticipated from the devices 3a, 3b at a particular priority level.

The network element 6 may store historical information about how the quantity and frequency of data that is sent at each priority level for each device 3a, 3b or device classification. Such data collection can be performed by sampling data during low traffic hours or by continuously collecting data.

In various aspects, the present invention thus provides and uses multiple priority aspects:

1. Devices 3a, 3b equipped with sensors 4, 5 or comprising sensors are prioritized based on different external variables such as categorization of the device 3a, 3b, or risks related to failure of the device. For example, if a device comprises a sensor detecting a value indicating a very hazardous event, then such device could be given a very high priority allowing it to always send messages. As a particular example, if the device is a sensor indicating failure of brakes of a car, messages would be sent immediately.

2. Sensors 4, 5 on the device 3a, 3b are prioritized. This maybe performed by a user via an interface or automated using unsupervised learning, i.e., finding out the most important "features" of the different device sensors and/or it maybe known by the device 3a, 3b which sensor 41, 51 of the set of sensors 4, 5 to prioritize. If the device 3a, 3b is a single sensor, then this device internal prioritization is not needed.

3. A prediction mechanism may inform the network element 6 whether devices 3a, 3b are converging towards a location. A prediction can then be made that this convergence might trigger some problems or overload situation. A message may be sent by a central node of the wireless network 2, e.g., a control or monitoring system thereof, to the different devices 3a, 3b to re-prioritize their traffic data patterns (i.e., sensor data).

4. The network element 6 may make prioritizations based on the current and future predicted load on how much data a network node (e.g., radio access node 7) can receive, and place a threshold on the devices 3a, 3b/sensors 41, 51 at what level of severity they are granted to send data at this point.

The present invention thus comprises several interworking parts. The messages from devices (/ sensors) will be prioritized (or classified) according to their level of severity. This prioritization maybe done in the device 3a, 3b. A message will only be allowed to be sent if the priority (level of severity) thereof is recognized by the wireless network 2, and in particular by the network element 6 thereof. That is, a message having been given a certain priority level is only admitted to be sent if this certain priority level matches a priority level recognized by the wireless network 2 as a currently allowed priority level. The current load and amount of available bandwidth in the wireless network 2 will, in embodiments of the invention, determine whether messages are allowed to be sent or not by analyzing the current network status, e.g., in terms of bandwidth and congestion. Furthermore, this priority maybe predicted by studying or supervising the actions in the wireless network 2 and detecting when and where congestions will occur. If there is congestion, i.e., a gathering of devices 3a, 3b in a certain area, or if congestion can be foreseen, only high priority messages will be allowed in this area.

By knowing where the devices 3a, 3b are it is also possible to predict when these will need to utilize the resources of the wireless network 2 and thereby it is also possible to optimize the traffic from (and to) the devices 3a, 3b.

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in the device 3a, 3b and in the network element 6 with the functionality to administer and control the admission levels of the devices 3a, 3b by statistical measurements and predictions about future load.

First, various exemplary functionality of the device 3a, 3b are described more in detail. The device 3a, 3b may comprise a user client, i.e., hardware or software or combinations thereof, responsible for handling the sensors of the device or sensors connected to it. For each sensor 41, 51 there may be a corresponding diagram for each message that the sensor 41, 51 can produce. For each of these messages a level of severity is assigned according to the classification scheme, an example of which is given in the following Table 1 for an oil pressure sensor:

TABLE 1

In the example given above, the highest priority level assigned to a message is denoted by 1, such message has the highest level of severity. Then, the less critical the message is the higher number it receives. It is however noted that the reverse relation could alternatively be used, i.e., give the highest possible level of severity, e.g., the value 10 (or any other value set to a chosen highest value), and then give less critical messages falling values according to falling degree of criticality.

There may also be provided a set of messages that the devices 3a, 3b produce that can alter the level of severity of the message. Considering for example a number of sensors in a vehicle, e.g., a car: if the oil pressure should drop, an oil sensor sensing this will not be allowed to send a message (or rather the device comprising the sensor) until the oil pressure has dropped to a certain level (i.e., with certain sensor value) where the severity goes, e.g., from 4 to 3. In the example of table 1, this would happen when sensor values reaches the range of 91-100. Likewise, a temperature sensor sensing engine temperature will not be allowed to send a message until the engine temperature has risen enough such that the priority level, which reflects the level of severity of the message, is at least as high as the priority level determined in the network element 6.

However when a combination of increase (or decrease) in oil pressure with a rise in engine temperature occurs at the same time another message may be generated with a higher priority and that can therefore be sent immediately.

There may also be a set of rules that can change the level of severity due to other circumstances, e.g., if the readings fluctuates more than allowed for a duration of time.

The sensors may, in various embodiments, identify themselves as being of a certain class or kind, for example airbag sensors could be treated differently from rain sensors.

It is noted that the teachings of the present invention is applicable also to devices comprising a single sensor.

The above is illustrated in a flow chart in figure 2. The flow 40 starts at box 41, and sensors may first be read (box 42), for example a first sensor has sensor value "16". In box 43 a device internal priority level is established for each sensor. For instance, the first sensor level may be established to be priority level 2 (compare Table 1). As illustrated at box 44, sensor attributes may also be taken into account in this establishing. A sensor attribute chart may be used that comprises a static list of default priorities given the device based on device category. There may be devices that by default have a low priority and messages from which will also always have a low priority. As a particular example, the device being a toaster may by default be considered a low priority device and such device trying to communicate a message about a temperature reading may by default be considered a very low priority message.

The flow then continues to box 46, where it is determined if a particular message should be sent. This determination is made based on a priority level obtained (box 45) from the wireless network 2 (in particular the network element 6 thereof). If the message priority level is such, in view of the obtained priority level, that it is allowed to be sent, then it will be sent. The message priority level may for example be required to be equal to or higher than the priority level obtained from the wireless network 2. Thus, if the outcome of the determination in box 46 is that the message is allowed to be sent, then flow continues to box 50, wherein the flow ends.

If the outcome of the determination in box 46 is that the message is not allowed to be sent, then flow continues to box 47. In box 47, a message may be checked, e.g., by reading cached sensor data (box 48) to analyze cached sensor value(s). For example, the check of box 47 may comprise analyzing if changes in sensor values within a time period is such as to render the message under evaluation a higher priority level, or it may comprise analyzing if sensor values of a first sensor in combination with sensor values of a second sensor might give the particular message an increased priority level or result in the need of a new message with a priority level such as to be allowed to be sent immediately. For such analysis, the check of box 47 may retrieve rules, e.g., from a data base (box 49). If the check of box 47 results in a reevaluation of the message priority level, then the flow reverts to box 46, wherein the determination as to whether the message can be sent is done.

If a newer reading for a sensor value than the sensor value that a message is trying to communicate is available, this message maybe discarded. This is indicated at arrow from box 48 to box 50. It might happen that the device receives an updated network priority level (box 45) that allows all messages to be sent, e.g., since there is no or little load on a network node through which the device communicates. The device may then simply empty its cache by sending all accumulated messages.

Next, the network element 6 is described more in detail. The network element 6 has the function of administering the priority levels allowed for each device (/ sensor) or group of devices, and to make predictions about future load and to set the admissible priority levels accordingly.

Data may be sampled from all or a subset of devices and stored in a database. Based on such data the network element 6 may for example predict that 90 % of all messages sent from devices of a certain category (e.g., car sensors) have a high priority (as measured in some scale), while the remaining 10 % have low priority. Depending on the current cell and network conditions, the network element 6 may set relative weights for devices (sensors) or category of sensors (i.e., sensor groups) depending on the expected amount of traffic it (i.e., the individual sensor or the sensor category) will generate at different priority levels.

Figure 3 illustrates the above by two graphs. In figure 3, a situation is depicted where such sampled data is depicted on the leftmost graph. In this leftmost graph, data volume is shown at the vertical axis (y-axis) and the message priority level on the horizontal axis (x-axis). The data volume may for example be expressed in number of bytes. The data volume per transmission interval at different priority levels are thus shown for four different sensor categories (Sensori, Sensor2, Sensor3, Sensor.4). In the rightmost graph a possible ranking of sensors is illustrated based on the distribution of the sampled data, a classification of the sensors, an estimated load in the cell/network site etc. The sensor ranking is shown at the vertical axis (y-axis) and the message priority level is shown at the horizontal axis (x-axis). The rightmost graph thus shows a weighted sensor ranking for the four sensor categories. For example, the first type of sensor, Sensor 1, sends high volumes of data per

transmission interval at a medium high severity (peak at message priority level 7, wherein the highest priority is 1 and the lowest 10) and is given the weight w = 0.2 based on that and based on, e.g., classification of the sensor and/ or estimated load in a cell into which it is to enter or within which it resides.

The network element 6 may comprise a location prediction function which uses the patterns of mobility that can be traced by a variety of data collected from the devices 3a, 3b. This could be Global Positioning System (GPS) data from user equipment or cellular traces (movement of devices between radio access nodes) gathered in the network in various formats. The gathering of location data as such as well as the prediction of mobility as such are outside the scope of the present invention and is thus not described further. It has been shown that human mobility prediction accuracy using known methods is as high as up to 88 percent. Depending on type of devices 3a, 3b (e.g., mobility thereof), the accuracy maybe up to 100 %. It is noted that the prediction function is optional.

The network congestion predictor 11 mentioned earlier may take advantage of such location prediction function for predicting network congestion situations. The network element 6 may further comprise a function denoted priority level optimizer 12. This function may receive indications of a current cell load situation or of movements into (and/ or out from) the cell from the location prediction function mentioned above and correlate this with the current load in a network node 7 of the wireless network 2 serving the cell along with the communication needs of devices 3a, 3b in order to create a mathematical model containing both the current and predicted needs in the wireless network 2. Such needs maybe expressed in terms of required communication resources and/or available processing capacity. This can be illustrated in a map as seen in figure 4. For instance, in the dotted areas there are very many devices 3a, 3b that are active, and a network node 7 serving these devices may be expected to be heavily loaded. Such information may be obtained from the network configuration, the OSS 9 and the location prediction mentioned above. Once the needs have been analyzed and are understood it is possible to calculate a service level needed for each geographical area based on current and future needs. The service level is basically the priority level, i.e., if it is not possible to service all devices, then calculations relating to which devices should be serviced are needed. The desired priority level is then set for each area and any device connecting to the wireless network 2 will be notified about the priority levels, and will consequently be aware of what data is allowed to be sent and what should be stored for later

transmission. This is described in figure 5.

Figure 5 is a flow chart 20 over service level calculation performed in the wireless network 2, and in particular in the network element 6. The flow 20 starts at box 21. The network element 6 may have certain data or gather (i.e., receive or request) data from various sources. At box 22, network configuration data, e.g., configuration management (CM) data (box 25) is obtained, at box 23 data from the location predictor is obtained, e.g., data based on movements of devices (box 26), at box 24 data from the OSS is obtained, e.g., network status data such as current network load, e.g., load/cell (box 27).

Next, in box 28, all this data is used for predicting network needs, e.g., predicting possible congestion situations (this function can be performed in the Network predictor 11 of the network element 6). The output from box 28 maybe network needs (box 29) expressed, e.g., as resource needs per cell. The network element 6 may further have the function priority level optimizer 12 (box 30) described earlier. This function receives indications of the current cell load situation or of movements into the cell from the network prediction function 11 mentioned above and correlates this with the current load (needs) in a network node 7 of the wireless network 2 serving the cell along with the needs of devices 3a, 3b in order to create (or update) the earlier mentioned mathematical model containing both the current and predicted needs in the wireless network 2, e.g., in terms of resources needed in each cell (also compare figure 4). When building the

mathematical model, a number of equations may be obtained which may be represented by a matrix table of coefficients, and the coefficients may then be applied to the various inputs. When a mathematical model has been built, it may be updated continuously or periodically. The output from box 30 is a priority level that is based on the mathematical model. It is noted that the mathematical model used as a predictive model may, e.g., be decision tree learning. Next, in box 31, the current priority level used in the cell is checked, e.g., establishing that devices 3a, 3b up to priority level 5 (if 1 is the highest priority) or down to priority level 5 (if 10 is the highest priority) are allowed to send messages. In box 32 a determination is made as to whether a priority level update is needed. The determination is made based on the established current priority level and the mentioned matrix. For instance, if there are many devices moving into a certain cell, then the priority level might need to be altered so as to prevent data traffic from certain devices. In such case a new priority level can be set (box 33), i.e., the outcome of the determination of box 32 is "yes". If the available network resources are predicted to be sufficient, then the outcome of box 32 could be "no", and the flow 20 ends (box 34). Thus, the determination in box 32 may comprise comparing the output from box 30, which thus is an optimized priority level, with the current priority level of box 31.

The communication of the priority level may be added to radio signaling required for maintaining contact with the network and thus will not create any additional traffic by itself.

Devices 3a, 3b can be notified of the current priority level by using broadcasting, multicasting or by a mechanism where the devices 3a, 3b query the wireless network 2 for the priority level. As another feature, it is possible to detect faulting devices 3a, 3b without explicit messages from the devices 3a, 3b. By detecting that a certain device 3a, 3b does not acknowledge the system message about priority level, it can be deduced that this device is faulty.

The actuation of which sensors to serve and in what order may be done by an existing scheduler or load balancing mechanism, for example by setting weights relative to the ranking value received by the network element 6 described previously.

If a Quality of Service (QoS) Class Identifier (QCI) mechanism is used in the wireless network 2, QCI related information may also be used for ranking the devices relative to the estimated ranking value.

The present invention brings about advantages such as enabling controlling of traffic from devices 3a, 3b in an efficient manner, so as to allow the wireless network 2 to function properly while at the same time allowing all devices 3a, 3b to communicate based on the importance of the messages.

The various features of the present invention that have been described can be combined in different ways, examples of which are given in the following. Figure 6 thus illustrates a flow chart over steps of a method 60 in a network element 6 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The method 60 may be performed in a network element 6 for prioritizing data traffic from and/or to one or more devices 3a, 3b in a wireless network 2. The method 60 comprises establishing 62 a priority level for each of the one or more devices 3a, 3b, wherein a priority level compared to a priority threshold level either prevents or allows transmission of data from and/ or to a device 3a, 3b.

The network element 6 thus establishes a priority level for devices 3a, 3b, as opposed to prioritizing data packets and sending them in priority order. This priority level for devices 3a, 3b will result in certain devices being prevented from sending data, thus efficiently reducing traffic in the wireless network 2 (and corresponding processing required) while still ensuring that most critical messages are communicated.

As a particular example, a priority threshold level Prio_thres may be set equal to a value 1, which is set to be the highest priority on a scale from 1 to 10. Then only data to/from devices having this priority level are allowed, and devices having priority level 2 would be prevented from transmitting/receiving data. This results in that a device having a message to send, can only send it if the message is recognized by the network element 6 to have a severity level matching the priority level. Thus, the amount of data sent in the wireless network 2 is limited to the most critical data, e.g., during a congestion situation.

The method 6o comprises providing 63 the established priority levels to the one or more devices 3a, 3b.

The devices 3a, 3b are thus enabled to, based on this, compare their priority level to a priority level of a message they would like to send, and the message will be sent only if the priority level of the message is such, in comparison to the priority level that it received from the network element, as to allow transmission. Otherwise the device is prevented from sending the message at all. As mentioned, this efficiently reduces the amount of data traffic in the network.

The method 60 enables control of traffic from devices in an efficient manner, allowing the network to function properly while at the same time allowing all devices to communicate based on the importance of the messages.

In an embodiment, the method 60 comprises, before the establishing 62 a priority level, detecting 61 a need for prioritizing data traffic for one or more devices 3a, 3b. The network element 1 may for example predict that there will be a congestion situation in a certain geographical area, which will probably result in a network node to become overloaded. Thus, upon such prediction, priority levels are established for the devices in the geographical area so that the total amount of data traffic may be kept such as to prevent the network node from becoming overloaded.

In a variation of the above embodiment, the detecting 61 a need for prioritizing comprises one or more of detecting a number of devices 3a, 3b converging towards a same geographic area, wherein the number is above a convergence threshold value, and predicting a load of a network node 7 serving the devices 3a, 3b to exceed a threshold for data traffic from and/or to the devices 3a, 3b.

In various embodiments, the establishing 62 a priority level is based on one or more of a current load of a network element 6, available communication resources of a network element 6, a category of the devices 3a, 3b, a risk of failure of equipment supervised by the device 3a, 3b, information on anticipated amount and frequency of data of the devices 3a, 3b, a priority of sensors of the devices 3a, 3b, and a historical, future and/ or current data on manageable load, i.e., a load that it is estimated to be able to handle.

In an embodiment, the establishing 62 a priority level is established per device 3a, 3b or per category of device 3a, 3b. The priority levels may thus be set per each individual device or per a number of devices grouped together.

In an embodiment, the method 60 comprises:

- generating relative weights for the devices 3a, 3b or category of device 3a, 3b based on an expected amount of traffic that a device or category of device will generate at different priority levels, and

- establishing 62 the priority level based on the relative weights.

The expected amount of traffic may be based on statistics relating to communication to and/or from the devices 3a, 3b. That is, data to/from one or more devices maybe observed and stored in a database. Statistics regarding for instance the amount and/or frequency of data transmitted to/from the devices may then be obtained (e.g., calculated or estimated). Based on this statistics the expected amount of traffic can be predicted and relative weights be generated (compare also figures 3 and 4 and related description). The devices 3a, 3b maybe monitored over time and profiles be built for different types of devices (e.g. vehicle mounted devices) or for different individual devices. Based on this it is thus possible to predict how much data certain devices or types of devices typically send and also how often.

In an embodiment, the method 60 comprises performing the establishing 62 of a priority level for each of the one or more devices 3a, 3b, and the providing 63 of the established priority levels to the one or more devices 3a, 3b in response to a handover of a device of the one or more devices 3a, 3b.

In an embodiment, the providing 63 comprises broadcasting the established priority level as system information, or transmitting the established priority level to the one or more devices 3a, 3b in a connect phase or attachment phase. The priority levels based on which the devices are allowed to communicate may thus be provided in known messages, including an indication about the priority level, during such phases. As a particular example, when the devices 3a, 3b send an attach message, the wireless network 2 may include an additional information element in its response message, the information element indicating a priority value. As another example, in handover messaging, the wireless network 2 may include such additional information element informing the device 3a, 3b about the priority level in a response message used in the handover messaging.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a network element and means for implementing embodiments of the methods of the present invention. The network element 6 may, as mentioned earlier, be implemented as a part of an existing network node (i.e., its functions maybe incorporated in an existing network node) or as a standalone node or device.

The network element 6 comprises an interface device or input/ output device 74 for communicating with other network nodes, typically in a wired fashion.

The network element 6 comprises a processor 70 comprising any combination of one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit etc. capable of executing software instructions stored in a memory 71, which can thus be a computer program product 71. The processor 70 can be configured to execute any of the various embodiments of the method as described for instance in relation to figure 6.

In particular, a network element 6 is provided for prioritizing data traffic from and/or to one or more devices 3a, 3b in a wireless network 2. The network element 6 is configured to perform the above method and comprises a processor 70 and a memory 71 storing instructions that, when executed by the processor 70, cause the network element 6 to:

- establish a priority level for each of the one or more devices 3a, 3b, wherein a priority level compared to a priority threshold level either prevents or allows transmission of data from a device 3a, 3b, and

- provide the established priority levels to the one or more devices 3a, 3b. In an embodiment, the network element 6 is operative to, before the establishing a priority level, detect a need for prioritizing data traffic for one or more devices 3a, 3b.

In variation of the above embodiment, the network element 6 is operative to detect a need for prioritizing by detecting a number of devices 3a, 3b converging towards a same geographic area, wherein the number is above a convergence threshold value, and/ or by predicting a load of a network node 7 serving the devices 3a, 3b to exceed a threshold for data traffic from and/or to the devices 3a, 3b.

In an embodiment, the network element 6 is operative to establish a priority level based on one or more of a current load of a network element 6, available

communication resources of a network element 6, a category of the devices 3a, 3b, a risk of failure of equipment supervised by the device 3a, 3b, information on

anticipated amount and frequency of data of the devices 3a, 3b, a priority of sensors of the devices 3a, 3b, and a historical, future and/or current data on manageable load.

In an embodiment, the network element 6 is operative to establish a priority level per device 3a, 3b or per category of device 3a, 3b.

In an embodiment, the network element 6 is operative to:

- generate relative weights for the devices 3a, 3b or category of device 3a, 3b based on an expected amount of traffic that a device or category of device will generate at different priority levels, and

- establish the priority level based on the relative weights.

In an embodiment, the network element 6 is operative to perform the establishing a priority level for each of the one or more devices 3a, 3b, and the providing the established priority levels to the one or more devices 3a, 3b in response to a handover of a device of the one or more devices 3a, 3b.

In an embodiment, the network element 6 is operative to provide the established priority levels by broadcasting the established priority level as system information, or transmitting the established priority level to the one or more devices 3a, 3b in a connect phase or attachment phase. An advantage of the above two embodiments is that existing messages and existing communication occasions can be used for providing the priority level to the devices 3a, 3b in the wireless network 2. The priority level may, as described earlier, be indicated in an information element of such existing messages.

Still with reference to figure 7, the memory 71 can be any combination of Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM), Flash memory, magnetic tape, Compact Disc (CD)-ROM, Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), Blueray disc etc. The memory 71 also comprises persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory, or even remotely mounted memory.

A data memory 73 may also be provided for reading and/or storing data during execution of software instructions in the processor 70. The data memory 73 can be any combination of RAM and ROM.

The present invention thus also encompasses computer program 72 comprising computer program code for causing a network element 6 to perform the method, e.g., as described above in relation to figure 6 when the computer program code is executed on at least one processor 70 of the network element 6.

The present invention also encompasses a computer program product 71 comprising a computer program 72 as described above, and a computer readable means on which the computer program 72 is stored.

An example of an implementation using function modules/software modules is illustrated in figure 8, in particular illustrating a network element 6 comprising function modules and/ or software modules for implementing embodiments of the method 60. The network element 6 comprises first means 81, for example a first function module, for establishing a priority level for each of the one or more devices 3a, 3b, wherein a priority level compared to a priority threshold level either prevents or allows transmission of data from and/or to a device 3a, 3b. Such means 81 may comprise processing circuitry provided in the network element 6. Such processing circuitry, e.g., electronic data processing circuitry, may comprise a combination of processor/firmware, specialized digital hardware or combination thereof, and may use program code stored in a memory 71. The network element 6 comprises second means 82, for example a first function module, for providing the established priority levels to the one or more devices 3a, 3b. Such means 82 may for instance comprise processing circuitry, transmitting the established priority level in signaling to the devices 3a, 3b via transmitting circuitry and an output device and/or antenna device(s).

The network element 6 may comprise yet additional means 83, 84 for performing the steps of the various embodiments of the method. For example, the network element 6 may comprise a function module 83 for, before the establishing a priority level, detecting a need for prioritizing data traffic for one or more devices 3a, 3b. Such means 83 may for instance comprise processing circuitry.

Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart over steps of a method 90 in a device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The method 90 maybe performed in a device 3a, 3b for sending messages over a wireless network 2. The method 90 comprises receiving 91 a first priority level from a network element 6 associated with the wireless network 2.

The method 90 comprises establishing 92 a second priority level of a message to be sent.

The method 90 comprises sending 93 the message if the established second priority level is such as to allow the message to be sent in view of the received first priority level.

In an embodiment, the method 90 comprises repeating the establishing 93 and sending 93 upon establishing the message to have an increased severity.

In an embodiment, the method 90 comprises establishing the message to have an increased severity by receiving sensor data from one or more sensors, which sensor data according to one or more rules is assigned the increased severity.

In an embodiment, the establishing 92 a second priority level of a message to be sent is based on sensor value ranges, each sensor value range having a given priority level.

In an embodiment, the sending 93 the message if the established second priority level is such as to allow the message to be sent in view of the received first priority level comprises comparing the established second priority level to the received first priority level and sending the message if the comparison fulfils a criterion. Such criterion may for example be that the second priority level is equal to or higher than the first priority level, or that the second priority level is equal to or lower than the first priority level (depending on the relative scale used).

Figure 10 illustrates schematically a device and means for implementing

embodiments of the methods of the present invention.

The device 3a, 3b comprises transceiver device 103, comprising receiving circuitry (Rx) and transmitting circuitry (Tx) coupled to antenna(s). By means of the transceiver device 103, the device 3a, 3b is able to communicate with the network element 6 (via a radio access node 7), i.e., transmit and receive signals to/from the nodes of the wireless network 2. The device 3a, 3b also comprises processing circuitry for processing such signals.

A data memory 105 may also be provided for reading and/or storing data during execution of software instructions in the processor 100. The data memory 105 can be any combination of RAM and ROM.

The device 3a, 3b comprises a processor 100 comprising any combination of one or more of a CPU, multiprocessor, microcontroller, DSP, application specific integrated circuit etc. capable of executing software instructions stored in a memory 101, which can thus be a computer program product 101. The processor 100 can be configured to execute any of the various embodiments of the method as described for instance in relation to figure 9.

In particular, a device 3a, 3b is provided for sending messages over a wireless network 1. The device 3a, 3b is configured to perform the above method and comprises a processor 100 and a memory 101 storing instructions that, when executed by the processor 100, cause the device 3a, 3b to:

- receive a first priority level from a network element 6 associated with the wireless network 2,

- establish a second priority level of a message to be sent, and - send the message if the established second priority level is such as to allow the message to be sent in view of the received first priority level.

In an embodiment, the device 3a, 3b is operative to repeat the establishing and sending upon establishing the message to have an increased severity.

In an embodiment, the device 3a, 3b is operative establish the message to have an increased severity by receiving sensor data from one or more sensors, which sensor data according to one or more rules is assigned the increased severity.

In an embodiment, the device 3a, 3b is operative establish the second priority level of a message to be sent based on sensor value ranges, each sensor value range having a given priority level.

In an embodiment, the device 3a, 3b is operative compare the established second priority level to the received first priority level and to send the message if the comparison fulfils a criterion.

Still with reference to figure 10, the memory 101 can be any combination of RAM and ROM, Flash memory, magnetic tape, Compact Disc (CD)-ROM, DVD, Blueray disc etc. The memory 101 also comprises persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory, or even remotely mounted memory.

A data memory 105 may also be provided for reading and/or storing data during execution of software instructions in the processor 100. The data memory 105 can, e.g. be any combination of RAM and ROM.

The present invention thus also encompasses computer program 102 comprising computer program code for causing a device 3a, 3b to perform the method as described above in relation to figure 9 when the computer program code is executed on at least one processor 100 of the device 3a, 3b.

The present invention also encompasses a computer program product 101 comprising a computer program 102 as described above, and a computer readable means on which the computer program 102 is stored. An example of an implementation using function modules/software modules is illustrated in figure 11, in particular illustrating a device 3a, 3b comprising function modules and/or software modules for implementing embodiments of the method 90. The device 3a, 3b comprises first means 111, for example a first function module, for receiving a first priority level from a network element 6 associated with the wireless network 2. Such means may for example comprise processing circuitry, receiving signaling from the network node 2 via antenna(s) and transceiver circuitry.

The device 3a, 3b comprises second means 112, for example a second function module, for establishing a second priority level of a message to be sent. Such means may for example comprise processing circuitry, adapted to do this establishing using program code stored in memory 101.

The device 3a, 3b comprises third means 113, for example a third function module for sending the message if the established second priority level is such as to allow the message to be sent in view of the received first priority level. Such means may comprise processing circuitry, adapted to do this establishing using program code stored in memory 101.

The device 3a, 3b may comprise yet additional means 114 for performing the steps of the various embodiments of the method.

The invention has mainly been described herein with reference to a few

embodiments. However, as is appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the particular ones disclosed herein are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims.

Claims

1. A method (6o) performed in a network element (6) for prioritizing data traffic from and/ or to one or more devices (3a, 3b) in a wireless network (2), the method (60) comprising:

- establishing (62) a priority level for each of the one or more devices (3a, 3b), wherein a priority level compared to a priority threshold level either prevents or allows transmission of data from and/ or to a device (3a, 3b), and

- providing (63) the established priority levels to the one or more devices (3a, 3b).

2. The method (60) as claimed in claim 1, comprising, before the establishing (62) a priority level, detecting (61) a need for prioritizing data traffic for one or more devices (3a, 3b).

3. The method (60) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the detecting (61) a need for prioritizing comprises one or more of: detecting a number of devices (3a, 3b) converging towards a same geographic area, wherein the number is above a convergence threshold value; predicting a load of a network node (7) serving the devices (3a, 3b) to exceed a threshold for data traffic from and/ or to the devices (3a, 3b).

4. The method (60) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the

establishing (62) a priority level is based on one or more of: a current load of a network element (6), available communication resources of a network element (6), a category of the devices (3a, 3b), a risk of failure of equipment supervised by the device (3a, 3b), information on anticipated amount and frequency of data of the devices (3a, 3b), a priority of sensors of the devices (3a, 3b), a historical, future and/ or current data on manageable load.

5. The method (60) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the

establishing (62) a priority level is established per device (3a, 3b) or per category of device (3a, 3b).

6. The method (60) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising: - generating relative weights for the devices (3a, 3b) or category of device (3a, 3b) based on an expected amount of traffic that a device or category of device will generate at different priority levels, and

- establishing (62) the priority level based on the relative weights.

7. The method (60) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising performing the establishing (62) a priority level for each of the one or more devices (3a, 3b), and the providing (63) the established priority levels to the one or more devices (3a, 3b) in response to a handover of a device of the one or more devices (3a, 3b).

8. The method (60) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the providing (63) comprises broadcasting the established priority level as system information, or transmitting the established priority level to the one or more devices (3a, 3b) in a connect phase or attachment phase.

9. A network element (6) for prioritizing data traffic from and/ or to one or more devices (3a, 3b) in a wireless network (2), the network element (6) comprising a processor (70) and a memory (71) storing instructions that, when executed by the processor (70), cause the network element (6) to:

- establish a priority level for each of the one or more devices (3a, 3b), wherein a priority level compared to a priority threshold level either prevents or allows transmission of data from a device (3a, 3b), and

- provide the established priority levels to the one or more devices (3a, 3b).

10. The network element (6) as claimed in claim 9, operative to, before the

establishing a priority level, detect a need for prioritizing data traffic for one or more devices (3a, 3b).

11. The network element (6) as claimed in claim 10, operative to detect a need for prioritizing by: detecting a number of devices (3a, 3b) converging towards a same geographic area, wherein the number is above a convergence threshold value; and/or by predicting a load of a network node (7) serving the devices (3a, 3b) to exceed a threshold for data traffic from and/or to the devices (3a, 3b).

12. The network element (6) as claimed in any of claims 9-11, operative to establish a priority level based on one or more of: a current load of a network element (6), available communication resources of a network element (6), a category of the devices (3a, 3b), a risk of failure of equipment supervised by the device (3a, 3b), information on anticipated amount and frequency of data of the devices (3a, 3b), a priority of sensors of the devices (3a, 3b), a historical, future and/ or current data on manageable load.

13. The network element (6) as claimed in any of claims 9-12, operative to establish a priority level per device (3a, 3b) or per category of device (3a, 3b).

14. The network element (6) as claimed in any of the claims 9-13, operative to:

- generate relative weights for the devices (3a, 3b) or category of device (3a, 3b) based on an expected amount of traffic that a device or category of device will generate at different priority levels, and

- establish the priority level based on the relative weights.

15. The network element (6) as claimed in any of claims 9-14, operative to perform the establishing a priority level for each of the one or more devices (3a, 3b), and the providing the established priority levels to the one or more devices (3a, 3b) in response to a handover of a device of the one or more devices (3a, 3b).

16. The network element (6) as claimed in any of claims 9-15, operative to provide the established priority levels by broadcasting the established priority level as system information, or transmitting the established priority level to the device (3a, 3b) in a connect phase or attachment phase.

17. A computer program (72) comprising computer program code for causing a network element (6) to perform the method as claimed in any of claims 1-9 when the computer program code is executed on a processor (70) of the network element (6).

18. A computer program product (71) comprising a computer program (72) as claimed in claim 17, and a computer readable means on which the computer program (72) is stored.

19. A method (90) performed in a device (3a, 3b) for sending messages over a wireless network (2), the method (90) comprising:

- receiving (91) a first priority level from a network element (6) associated with the wireless network (2),

- establishing (92) a second priority level of a message to be sent, and

- sending (93) the message if the established second priority level is such as to allow the message to be sent in view of the received first priority level.

20. The method (90) as claimed in 19, comprising repeating the establishing (93) and sending (93) upon establishing the message to have an increased severity.

21. The method (90) as claimed in claim 19 or 20, comprising establishing the message to have an increased severity by receiving sensor data from one or more sensors, which sensor data according to one or more rules is assigned the increased severity.

22. The method (90) as claimed in any of claims 19-21, wherein the establishing (92) a second priority level of a message to be sent is based on sensor value ranges, each sensor value range having a given priority level.

23. The method (90) as claimed in any of claims 19-22, wherein the sending (93) the message if the established second priority level is such as to allow the message to be sent in view of the received first priority level comprises comparing the established second priority level to the received first priority level and sending the message if the comparison fulfils a criterion.

24. A device (3a, 3b) for sending messages over a wireless network (1), wherein the device (3a, 3b) comprises a processor (100) and a memory (101) storing instructions that, when executed by the processor (100), cause the device (3a, 3b) to:

- receive a first priority level from a network element (6) associated with the wireless network (2),

25. The device (3a, 3b) as claimed in 24, operative to repeat the establishing and sending upon establishing the message to have an increased severity.

26. The device (3a, 3b) as claimed in claim 24, operative to establish the message to have an increased severity by receiving sensor data from one or more sensors, which sensor data according to one or more rules is assigned the increased severity.

27. The device (3a, 3b) as claimed in any of claims 24-26, operative to establish the second priority level of a message to be sent based on sensor value ranges, each sensor value range having a given priority level.

28. The device (3a, 3b) as claimed in any of claims 24-27, operative to compare the established second priority level to the received first priority level and to send the message if the comparison fulfils a criterion.

29. A computer program (102) comprising computer program code for causing a device (3a, 3b) to perform the method as claimed in any of claims 19-23 when the computer program code is executed on a processor (100) of the device (3a, 3b).

30. A computer program product (101) comprising a computer program (102) as claimed in claim 29, and a computer readable means on which the computer program (102) is stored.