USER PLANE OPTIMIZATION FOR NARROWBAND INTERNET OF THINGS

Abstract(summary):

A user equipment (UE) and a network access node (eNB or CIoT-BS) each store in their local memory the UE's context. Automatically upon a designated communication between them a timer is initiated that indicates the UE context is valid. For transitioning the UE from an idle to a connected mode, there is a selection between a first and a second procedure and this selection is based on the timer and on at least one other prescribed validity criterion (for example, context validity area, radio conditions or CE level). Data is then sent or received on a radio connection that is obtained via the selected first or second procedure, where only one of the first and second procedures utilizes the stored UE context. During that procedure, in an embodiment the UE can send to the CIoT-BS an indication that it has the stored UE context.