Patent Publication Number: US-2022232516-A1

Title: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for reducing signaling messages between a ran node and a core network

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/148,975 filed on Jan. 14, 2021, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2020/016083 filed on Jan. 31, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Various example embodiments relate to methods, apparatuses, systems, and/or non-transitory computer readable media for reducing and/or optimizing signaling messages between one or more radio access network (RAN) nodes and a core network based on a connection mode of the RAN node(s). 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Currently, a 5 th  generation mobile network (5G) standard, referred to as 5G New Radio (NR), is being developed to provide higher capacity, higher reliability, and lower latency communications than the 4G long term evolution (LTE) standard. In a wireless communication network operating under the 5G protocol, one or more user equipment (UE) devices connect to the 5G core network through one or more radio access network (RAN) nodes (e.g., a base station (BS)). The 5G core network will provide network functionality to the UE devices and/or the RAN nodes, such as voice packet transmission, data packet transmission, control packet transmission, etc. 
     UI Under the 5G standard, every 5G RAN node receives signaling messages (e.g., control plane messages), such as NGAP signaling messages, etc., from the 5G core network related to the control plane of the network. However, this behavior is undesired, inefficient, and/or unnecessary because not every RAN node performs control plane processing. Therefore, transmitting signaling messages to every RAN node on the network results in the inefficient usage of network resources, and therefore do not need to receive the signaling messages. 
     Accordingly, an approach is desired that reduces and/or optimizes the number of signaling messages transmitted by at least one core network element to RAN nodes based on the connection mode of each RAN node. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a core network server communicating with at least one radio access network (RAN) node supporting at least a first connection mode and a second connection mode. 
     In at least one example embodiment, a core network server may include a memory storing computer readable instructions and at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to establish a control plane connection with at least one radio access network (RAN) node, the at least one RAN node supporting at least a first connection mode and a second connection mode, determine a connection mode of the at least one RAN node, and restrict transmission of at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node based on results of the determining the connection mode of the at least one RAN node. 
     Some example embodiments of the core network server provide the at least one processor is further configured to enable transmission of the at least one signaling message by setting a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node based on the determined connection mode of the at least one RAN node. 
     Some example embodiments of the core network server provide the at least one processor is further configured to restrict transmission of the at least one signaling message by setting a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node based on the determined connection mode of the at least one RAN node. 
     Some example embodiments of the core network server provide the at least one processor is further configured to set a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node to enable transmission of the at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node in response to the connection mode of the at least one RAN node being the first connection mode, and set a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node to restrict transmission of the at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node in response to the connection mode of the at least one RAN node being the second connection mode. 
     Some example embodiments of the core network server provide that the first connection mode is a standalone architecture (SA) mode, the at least one RAN node is a plurality of RAN nodes, and the at least one processor is further configured to determine which RAN nodes of the plurality of RAN nodes are in the SA mode, and set a signaling message configuration value to enable transmission of at least one signaling message to the RAN nodes of the plurality of RAN nodes that are determined to be in the SA mode. 
     Some example embodiments of the core network server provide that the second connection mode is a non-standalone architecture (NSA) mode, the at least one RAN node is a plurality of RAN nodes, and the at least one processor is further configured to determine which RAN nodes of the plurality of RAN nodes are in the NSA mode, and set a signaling message configuration value to restrict transmission of at least one signaling message to the RAN nodes of the plurality of RAN nodes that are determined to be in the NSA mode. 
     Some example embodiments of the core network server provide that the at least one processor is further configured to determine the connection mode of the at least one RAN node by receiving a message from the at least one RAN node, the message indicating that the at least one RAN node is in the first connection mode or the second connection mode, and setting a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node based on the connection mode of the at least one RAN node indicated in the received message. 
     Some example embodiments of the core network server provide that the at least one processor is further configured to determine the connection mode of the at least one RAN node by transmitting a first signaling message to the at least one RAN node, receiving a response message from the at least one RAN node corresponding to the first signaling message, determining whether the response message includes an indication the at least one RAN node is in the second connection mode, and restricting transmission of at least one second signaling message to the at least one RAN node based on results of the determining whether the response message includes the indication the at least one RAN node is in the second connection mode. 
     Some example embodiments of the core network server provide the at least one processor is further configured to selectively transmit at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node based on results of the determining the connection mode of the at least one RAN node. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a radio access network (RAN) node supporting at least a first connection mode and a second connection mode. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the RAN node includes a memory storing computer readable instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to set a connection mode of the RAN node, the connection mode being at least a first connection mode or a second connection mode, and transmit at least one message to at least one core network server, the at least one message including an indication of the connection mode of the RAN node, the transmitted at least one message causing the at least one core network server to selectively restrict transmission of at least one signaling message to the RAN node based on the indication of the connection mode. 
     Some example embodiments of the RAN node provide that the first connection mode is a standalone architecture (SA) mode, and the second connection mode is a non-standalone architecture (NSA) mode. 
     Some example embodiments of the RAN node provide that the transmitted at least one message indicates that the RAN node is in the first connection mode, the transmitted at least one message causing the at least one core network server to enable transmission of the at least one signaling message to the RAN node. 
     Some example embodiments of the RAN node provide that the transmitted at least one message indicates that the RAN node is in the second connection mode, the transmitted at least one message causing the at least one core network server to restrict transmission of the at least one signaling message to the RAN node. 
     Some example embodiments of the RAN node provide that the at least one processor is further configured to receive a first signaling message from the at least one core network server, and transmit the at least one message to the at least one core network server, the at least one message including the indication of the connection mode of the RAN node in response to the first signaling message. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a method of operating at least one core network server. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the method includes establishing, using at least one processor, a control plane connection with at least one radio access network (RAN) node, the at least one RAN node supporting at least a first connection mode and a second connection mode, determining, using the at least one processor, a connection mode of the at least one RAN node, setting, using the at least one processor, a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node based on results of the determining the connection mode of the at least one RAN node, and determining, using the at least one processor, whether to transmit at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node based on the signaling message configuration value for the at least one RAN node. 
     Some example embodiments of the method provide that the determining whether to transmit the at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node includes enabling transmission of the at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node in response to the signaling message configuration value of the at least one RAN node indicating the at least one RAN node is in the first connection mode, and restricting transmission of the at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node in response to the signaling message configuration value of the at least one RAN node indicating the at least one RAN node is in the second connection mode. 
     Some example embodiments of the method further include receiving, using the at least one processor, a message from the at least one RAN node, the message indicating that the at least one RAN node is in the first connection mode or the second connection mode. 
     Some example embodiments of the method further include updating, using the at least one processor, the signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node based on the indication of the received message. 
     Some example embodiments of the method provide that the determining whether the at least one RAN node is in the first connection mode includes transmitting a first signaling message to the at least one RAN node, and receiving a response message corresponding to the first signaling message from the at least one RAN node. The determining whether to transmit the at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node may further include determining whether the response message includes an indication that the at least one RAN node is in the second connection mode, and restricting transmission of the at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node based on results of the determining whether the response message includes the indication. 
     Some example embodiments of the method further include transmitting, using the at least one processor, the at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node based on results of the determining whether to transmit the at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node. 
     In at least one example embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer readable instruction for performing the method of operating at least one core network server is provided. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a core network server communicating with at least one radio access network (RAN) node supporting at least a first connection mode and a second connection mode. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the core network server may include means for establishing a control plane connection with at least one radio access network (RAN) node, the at least one RAN node supporting at least a first connection mode and a second connection mode, determining a connection mode of the at least one RAN node, and restricting transmission of at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node based on results of the determining the connection mode of the at least one RAN node. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the core network server may further include means for enabling transmission of the at least one signaling message by setting a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node based on the determined connection mode of the at least one RAN node. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the core network server may further include means for restricting transmission of the at least one signaling message by setting a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node based on the determined connection mode of the at least one RAN node. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the core network server may further include means for setting a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node to enable transmission of the at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node in response to the connection mode of the at least one RAN node being the first connection mode, and setting a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node to restrict transmission of the at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node in response to the connection mode of the at least one RAN node being the second connection mode. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the first connection mode is a standalone architecture (SA) mode, and the at least one RAN node is a plurality of RAN nodes. The core network server may further include means for determining which RAN nodes of the plurality of RAN nodes are in the SA mode, and setting a signaling message configuration value to enable transmission of at least one signaling message to the RAN nodes of the plurality of RAN nodes that are determined to be in the SA mode. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the second connection mode is a non-standalone architecture (NSA) mode, and the at least one RAN node is a plurality of RAN nodes. The core network server may further include means for determining which RAN nodes of the plurality of RAN nodes are in the NSA mode, and setting a signaling message configuration value to restrict transmission of at least one signaling message to the RAN nodes of the plurality of RAN nodes that are determined to be in the NSA mode. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the core network server may further include means for receiving a message from the at least one RAN node, the message indicating that the at least one RAN node is in the first connection mode or the second connection mode, and setting a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node based on the connection mode of the at least one RAN node indicated in the received message. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the core network server may further include means for transmitting a first signaling message to the at least one RAN node, receiving a response message from the at least one RAN node corresponding to the first signaling message, determining whether the response message includes an indication the at least one RAN node is in the second connection mode, and restricting transmission of at least one second signaling message to the at least one RAN node based on results of the determining whether the response message includes the indication the at least one RAN node is in the second connection mode. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the core network server may further include means for selectively transmit at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node based on results of the determining the connection mode of the at least one RAN node. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a radio access network (RAN) node supporting at least a first connection mode and a second connection mode. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the RAN node includes means for setting a connection mode of the RAN node, the connection mode being at least a first connection mode or a second connection mode, and transmitting at least one message to at least one core network server, the at least one message including an indication of the connection mode of the RAN node, the transmitted at least one message causing the at least one core network server to selectively restrict transmission of at least one signaling message to the RAN node based on the indication of the connection mode. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the first connection mode is a standalone architecture (SA) mode, and the second connection mode is a non-standalone architecture (NSA) mode. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the transmitted at least one message indicates that the RAN node is in the first connection mode, the transmitted at least one message causing the at least one core network server to enable transmission of the at least one signaling message to the RAN node. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the transmitted at least one message indicates that the RAN node is in the second connection mode, the transmitted at least one message causing the at least one core network server to restrict transmission of the at least one signaling message to the RAN node. 
     Some example embodiments provide that the RAN node further includes means for receiving a first signaling message from the at least one core network server, and transmitting the at least one message to the at least one core network server, the at least one message including the indication of the connection mode of the RAN node in response to the first signaling message. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more example embodiments and, together with the description, explain these example embodiments. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a wireless communication system according to at least one example embodiment; 
         FIGS. 2A to 4  are transmission flow diagrams between at least one core network element and a plurality of RAN nodes connected to the core network according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG. 5A to 5D  are flowcharts illustrating methods for operating a core network element to reduce signaling messages between the core network element and at least one RAN connected to the core network according to some example embodiments; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a RAN node to reduce signaling messages between the RAN node and a core network according to at least one example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some example embodiments are shown. 
     Detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing the example embodiments. The embodiments may, however, may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or,” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” or “coupled,” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected,” or “directly coupled,” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between,” versus “directly between,” “adjacent,” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. 
     Specific details are provided in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that example embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, systems may be shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the example embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known processes, structures and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring example embodiments. 
     Also, it is noted that example embodiments may be described as a process depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel, concurrently or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process may be terminated when its operations are completed, but may also have additional steps not included in the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination may correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function. 
     Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term “memory” may represent one or more devices for storing data, including random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, and/or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term “storage medium” may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term “computer-readable medium” may include, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying instruction(s) and/or data. 
     Furthermore, example embodiments may be implemented by hardware circuitry and/or software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, etc., in combination with hardware (e.g., software executed by hardware, etc.). When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the desired tasks may be stored in a machine or computer readable medium such as a non-transitory computer storage medium, and loaded onto one or more processors to perform the desired tasks. 
     A code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc. 
     As used in this application, the term “circuitry” and/or “hardware circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementation (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware, and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); and (c) hardware circuit(s) and/or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. For example, the circuitry more specifically may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. 
     This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device. 
     At least one example embodiment refers to a network system capable of reducing and/or optimizing the transmission of signaling messages from at least one core network element and at least one RAN node based on a connection mode of the at least one RAN node. While the various example embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in connection with the 5G wireless communication standard for the sake of clarity and convenience, the example embodiments are not limited thereto, and one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize the example embodiments may be applicable to, included in, and/or integrated into other wireless communication standards, such as the 4G wireless protocol, a WLAN wireless protocol, a future 6G wireless protocol, a future 7G wireless protocol, etc. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a wireless communication system according to at least one example embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a wireless communication system includes at least one user equipment (UE) device (UEs or UE devices)  110 , a first radio access network (RAN) node  120  and a second RAN node  130 , a core network  140 , and one or more core network elements (e.g., one or more core network servers, core network devices, etc.), such as AMF  150  and UPF  160 , etc., but the example embodiments are not limited thereto and the example embodiments may include a greater or lesser number of constituent elements. For example, the wireless communication system may include a plurality of UE devices, a single RAN node, a plurality of RAN nodes greater than two, and/or a plurality of core network elements, core network servers, etc. 
     The UE  110  may connect to one or more of the RAN nodes  120  and/or  130 , and/or the core network server  140  over a wireless network, such as a cellular wireless access network (e.g., a 3G wireless access network, a 4G-Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a 5G-New Radio (e.g., 5G) wireless network, a WLAN network, a future 6G network, etc.), but is not limited thereto. The UE  110  may receive user plane communication (e.g., data communication packets, voice communication packets, etc.), from a user plane function (UPF) core network element  160  via the RAN nodes  120  and/or  130 , etc. 
     The UE  110  may be any one of, but not limited to, a mobile device, a tablet, a laptop computer, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a desktop computer and/or any other type of stationary or portable device capable of operating according to the 4G communication standard, the 5G NR communication standard, the WLAN standard, a future 6G standard, a future 7G standard, or other wireless communication standard. 
     Each of the RAN nodes  120  and  130  may be a network device, such as a base station (BS), an access point, a router, a switch, a cell tower, etc. The RAN nodes  120  and  130  may connect to each other, at least one core network  140  (e.g., a 4G core network, a 5G core network, a 6G core network, etc.), and/or one or more elements of the core network, such as a core network server  150  and/or  160 , etc., over a wired and/or wireless network. Each of the RAN nodes  120  and  130  may operate according to at least one underlying cellular and/or wireless network communications protocol, such as the 4G long term evolution (LTE) communication protocol, the 5G new radio (NR) communication protocol, a WLAN communication protocol, a future 6G communication protocol, a future 7G communication protocol, etc. For example, the RAN node  120  may be an E-UTRA next-generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB) node (e.g., a RAN node which communicates with a 5G-enabled UE over a 4G LTE air interface), and the RAN node  130  may be a 5G generation NodeB (gNB) node (e.g., a RAN node which communicates with a UE over a 5G NR air interface), etc., but the example embodiments are not limited thereto, and both RAN nodes may be gNB nodes, both RAN nodes may be ng-eNB nodes, and/or or may be other types of nodes, etc. 
     Further, the RAN nodes  120  and  130  may be single connectivity nodes (e.g., capable of supporting a single connection mode), dual-connectivity nodes (e.g., capable of supporting two connection modes), and/or multi-connectivity nodes (e.g., capable of supporting more than two connection modes). For example, the RAN nodes  120  and  130  may be capable of operating in a standalone architecture (SA) connection mode and/or a non-standalone architecture (NSA) connection mode, but are not limited thereto. If a RAN node operates in SA mode, the RAN node acts as a main node for connected UE devices, e.g., a node which performs control plane processing and user plane processing for UE devices connected to the main node. If a RAN node is in NSA mode, the RAN node acts as a secondary node for connected UE devices, e.g., a node which only performs user plane processing for UE devices connected to the secondary node, with the UE devices needing to connect to another RAN node (e.g., a main RAN node) to perform the control plane processing for these UE devices. However, the example embodiments are not limited thereto, and for example, there may be additional connection modes possible for the RAN nodes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , each of the RAN nodes  120  and  130  may include at least one processor  121  or  131 , a memory  123  or  133 , at least one wireless antenna  122  or  132  for connecting to one or more UEs, such as the UE  110 , and/or a core network interface  124  or  134  for connecting to the core network  140  and/or core network elements, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)  150 , a User Plane Function (UPF)  160 , etc., but the example embodiments are not limited thereto. The memories  123  and  133  may include various program code including computer executable instructions, and may store various data and/or configuration settings associated with each RAN node, such as a connection mode configuration, etc., configuration settings associated with each connected UE device, etc. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the at least one processors  121  and  131  of the RAN nodes  120  and  130  may be a processor, processing circuitry, processor cores, distributed processors, networked processors, etc., which may be configured to control one or more elements of the RAN node. The at least one processors  121  and  131  are configured to execute processes by retrieving program code (e.g., computer readable instructions) and/or data from the memories  123  and  133 , thereby executing special purpose control and functions of the entire RAN node  120  or  130 . Once the special purpose program instructions are loaded into the at least one processors  121  and  131 , the at least one processors  121  and  131  execute the special purpose program instructions, thereby transforming the at least one processors  121  and  131  into special purpose processors. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the memories  123  and  133  may be non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, and each may include a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and/or a permanent mass storage device such as a disk drive, or a solid state drive, etc. Stored in the memories  123  and  133  are program code (i.e., computer readable instructions) related to operating the respective RAN node, the wireless antennas  122  and  132 , and/or the core network interfaces  124  and  134 , etc. Such software elements may be loaded from a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium independent of the memories  123  and  133 , using a drive mechanism (not shown) connected to the RAN  120  or  130 , or via the wireless antennas  122  and  132 , and/or core network interfaces  124  and  134 . 
     The RAN nodes  120  and  130  may also include wireless antennas  122  and  132 . The wireless antennas  122  and  132  each may include an associated radio unit (not shown) and may be used to transmit wireless signals, e.g., 4G LTE wireless signals, 5G NR wireless signals, etc., to at least one UE device, such as UE  110 , etc. For example, the wireless antenna  122  of the ng-eNB node  120  may be a 4G air radio interface, and the wireless antenna  132  of the gNB node  130  may be a 5G air radio interface, etc. According to some example embodiments, the wireless antenna  122  and  132  each may be a single antenna, or may be a plurality of antennas, etc. 
     The RAN nodes  120  and  130  may each include at least one core network interface  124  or  134 , each of which may be a wired and/or wireless network interface. The core network interfaces  124  and  134  may enable the RAN nodes  120  and  130  to communicate with and/or transmit data to and from core network elements and/or servers, etc., such as core network elements  150  and  160 , on the core network  140 . Examples of core network elements may include a network gateway (not shown), a core network server, a core network device, etc. The core network interfaces  124  and  134  allow the UEs connected to the RAN node  120  and/or RAN node  130  to communicate with and/or transmit data using the core network  140  to other networks, such as a Data Network (DN), the Internet, telephone networks, VoIP networks, intranets, LANs, etc. 
     The RAN nodes  120  and  130  may be connected to and/or communicate with other core network elements, such as an Operations Administration &amp; Management Configuration (O&amp;M) element, a Session Management Function (SMF) element, an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) element, etc. Each of the core network elements of the core network  140 , including AMF  150  and UPF  160 , may be embodied as a server, a processing device, a node, a router, a network device, etc. Additionally, one or more of the core network elements may be combined into one or more servers, processing devices, nodes, routers, network devices, etc. For example, the AMF  150  and UPF  160  may be incorporated into a single core network server, etc. 
     According to at least one example embodiment, the AMF  150  may be configured to provide functions and capabilities relating to control plane operations, such as security of the wireless network, access management, authorization of UE devices, etc. The AMF  150  may transmit signaling traffic (e.g., signaling messages, control packets, etc.) to and/or from network equipment, such as RAN nodes, BSs, routers, switches, etc., to which the AMF  150  has established a control plane connection. Examples of signaling traffic may include paging messages, public warning messages, overload messages, etc. 
     The UPF  160  may be configured to provide functions and capabilities to facilitate user plane (e.g., data plane, forwarding plane, carrier plane, etc.) operation, such as carrying network user traffic (e.g., data and/or voice packets, etc.) destined for UEs, packet routing and forwarding, interconnection between UEs and a DN (e.g., the Internet, etc.), policy enforcement, data buffering, etc. For example, the UPF  160  may receive data or voice packets destined for UE  110  from the DN, and forward the data or voice packets to the RAN node that UE  110  is connected with, such as ng-eNB node  120  and/or gNB node  130 , or vice versa. 
     According to some example embodiments, each of the core network elements, such as AMF  150  and UPF  160 , may include at least one processors  151  or  161 , memories  153  or  163 , and/or wireless antennas  152  or  162 , etc. Additionally, each of the core network elements may further include at least one core network interface, such as core network interfaces  154  and  164 , for connecting to one or more RAN nodes, such as RAN nodes  120  and  130 , one or more other core network elements, etc., but the example embodiments are not limited thereto. The memories  153  and  163  may include various program code including computer executable instructions, such as program code for operating the core network element, etc., and may also store various data and/or configuration settings associated with each core network element, each connected RAN node, and/or each UE device operating in at least one cell serving area and/or at least one tracking area, etc., served by the core element, such as signaling message configurations, O&amp;M configurations, account configurations, etc. According to at least one example embodiment, the memories  153  and  163  may store a database for storing configuration setting values associated with each RAN node connected to the core network element, such as RAN nodes  120  and  130 , etc., and/or each UE that is operating within and/or associated with a territorial area associated with the core network element. For example, the database may store connection mode configuration values and/or signaling message configuration values associated with each RAN node, etc. 
     The at least one processors  151  and  161 , memories  153  and  163 , wireless antennas  152  and  162 , and/or core network interfaces  154  and  164 , of the AMF  150  and UPF  160  may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the processors  121  and  131 , memories  123  and  133 , wireless antennas  122  and  132 , and core network interfaces  124  and  134 , of the RAN nodes  120  and  130 . Accordingly, further discussion of these components will be omitted for the sake of brevity. 
     While certain elements of the cellular wireless network are shown as part of the wireless communication system of  FIG. 1 , the example embodiments are not limited thereto, and the cellar wireless network may include components other than that shown in  FIG. 1 , which are desired, necessary, and/or beneficial for operation of the underlying networks within the communication system  100 , such as access points, switches, routers, nodes, servers, etc. 
     Additionally, while  FIG. 1  depicts an example embodiment of the RAN nodes ng-eNB node  120  and gNB node  130 , and the core network elements AMF  150  and UPF  160 , the example embodiments are not limited thereto, and one or more of these elements may include additional components and/or alternative architectures that may be suitable for the purposes demonstrated. 
       FIGS. 2A to 4  are transmission flow diagrams between at least one core network element and a plurality of RAN nodes connected to the core network according to some example embodiments. For each of the example embodiments of  FIGS. 2A to 4 , it is assumed that the AMF  150  is not initially aware of the connection mode configuration status of the ng-eNB node  120  and the gNB node  130 . Additionally, it is assumed that the ng-eNB node  120  is initially configured to operate in “NSA only mode,” and the gNB node  130  is initially configured to operate in “SA mode.” However, the example embodiments are not limited thereto, and both the ng-eNB node  120  and the gNB node  130  may operate in any of the connection modes, e.g., SA connection mode, NSA connection mode, etc. Further, while the example embodiments are discussed in the context of only two connection modes, the example embodiments are not limited thereto and there may be more than two connection modes. 
       FIG. 2A  is a first transmission flow diagram between at least one core network element and a plurality of RAN nodes connected to the core network illustrating a method of semi-statically learning and/or obtaining the connection mode configuration statuses of the plurality of RAN nodes according to at least one example embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , one or more RAN nodes, such as ng-eNB node  120  and gNB node  130 , may be initialized and/or connected to a core network, such as core network  140 . In operation S 2001 , the gNB node  130  may transmit a control plane connection request to the AMF  150 , such as a NG setup request. The control plane connection request may include an indication of the connection mode of the gNB node  130 , e.g., an indication that the gNB node  130  is in SA mode. According to some example embodiments, the connection mode indication may also be referred to as a cause value, connection mode configuration information, connection mode configuration status value, signaling message configuration value, etc. Thus, the AMF  150  learns and/or obtains the connection mode configuration status of the gNB node  130  in a semi-static manner. In operation S 2002 , a control plane connection (e.g., NG-C connection, etc.) is established between the gNB node  130  and the AMF  150 , and the AMF  150  transmits a response to the gNB node  130 &#39;s control plane connection request, e.g., a NG setup response. Additionally, the AMF  150  may create and/or update a record associated with the gNB  130  in a database, including storing the gNB node  130 &#39;s connection mode configuration status and/or setting a signaling message configuration value associated with the gNB node  130  corresponding to the connection mode configuration status. The signaling message configuration value may indicate whether future signaling messages should be enabled (e.g., allowed, permitted, etc.) to the RAN node, or if future signaling messages should be restricted (e.g., denied, prohibited, etc.) to the RAN node, etc. 
     In operation S 2003 , the ng-eNB node  120  may transmit a control plane connection request, e.g., a NG setup request, etc., to the AMF  150 . The control plane connection request may include an indication of the connection mode of the ng-eNB node  120 , e.g., an indication that the ng-eNB node  120  is in NSA mode or NSA only mode. Thus, the AMF  150  learns and/or obtains the connection mode configuration status of the ng-eNB node  120  in a semi-static manner. In operation S 2004 , a control plane connection (e.g., NG-C connection, etc.) is established between the ng-eNB node  120  and the AMF  150 , and the AMF  150  transmits a response to the ng-eNB node  120 &#39;s control plane connection request, e.g., a NG setup response, etc. Additionally, the AMF  150  may create and/or update a record associated with the ng-eNB  120  in the database, including storing the ng-eNB node  120 &#39;s connection mode configuration status and/or setting a signaling message configuration value associated with the ng-eNB node  120  corresponding to the connection mode configuration status. 
     Next, in operation S 2005 , the AMF  150  may decide to transmit a signaling message, e.g., a paging message, etc., to UEs associated with (e.g., operating within, located within, connected to a RAN node connected to the AMF  150 , etc.) the territorial area assigned to the AMF  150 , such as the UEs connected to ng-eNB node  120  and gNB node  130 , etc. The AMF  150  may determine which RAN node(s) to transmit the signaling message to based on the received connection mode indications included in the control plane connection requests from the ng-eNB node  120  and gNB node  130 , etc. In the example of  FIG. 2A , in operation S 2006 , the AMF  150  transmits a paging message to the gNB node  130  because the gNB node  130  is in SA connection mode (e.g., a desired connection mode). The gNB node  130  then forwards the paging message to the appropriate UE device, such as UE  110 . Additionally, in operation S 2006 B, the AMF  150  does not transmit the paging message to ng-eNB node  120  because the ng-eNB node  120  is in NSA only mode (e.g., a non-desired connection mode), thereby reducing the number of signaling messages transmitted across the network, and increasing the efficiency of network resource usage. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2B to 4 , for each of these example embodiments it is assumed that the AMF  150  has already established a control plane connection, e.g., NG-control (NG-C) control connection, etc., with both the ng-eNB node  120  and the gNB node  130  as described in connection with  FIG. 2A , however the example embodiments are not limited thereto and other methods for establishing a control plane connection may be used, such as establishing a control plane connection between a core network element and a RAN node without the RAN node transmitting a connection mode indication within the control plane request, etc. 
       FIG. 2B  is a second transmission flow diagram between at least one core network element and a plurality of RAN nodes connected to the core network illustrating a first method of dynamically configuring the connection modes of the plurality of RAN nodes according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In operation S 2011 , the ng-eNB node  120 , which was previously configured to operate in NSA connection mode, may transmit a RAN configuration update message to the AMF  150 . The RAN configuration update message may include an indication stating the ng-eNB node  120  is now operating in SA connection mode, along with any other configuration changes made to the ng-eNB node  120 , and the AMF  150  thereby learns and/or obtains the connection mode configuration status of the ng-eNB node  120  in a dynamic manner. In operation S 2012 , the AMF  150  may update its records associated with the ng-eNB node  120 , including updating the AMF  150 &#39;s records regarding the ng-eNB node  120 &#39;s connection mode configuration and/or setting a signaling message configuration value associated with the ng-eNB node  120  corresponding to the connection mode configuration status. Then, the AMF  150  transmits a RAN configuration update response to the ng-eNB node  120 . 
     In operation S 2013 , the AMF  150  may decide to transmit a paging message to UEs within the AMF  150 &#39;s territorial area, such as the UEs connected to ng-eNB node  120  and gNB node  130 , etc. The AMF  150  may determine to transmit the signaling message to the ng-eNB node  120  based on the received RAN configuration update message. In the example of  FIG. 2B , and in contrast to the example of  FIG. 2A , in operations S 2014  and S 2014 B, the AMF  150  transmits paging messages to both the gNB node  130  and the ng-eNB node  120  because both the gNB node  130  and the ng-eNB node  120  are in SA connection mode (e.g., a desired connection mode). The gNB node  130  and the ng-eNB node  120  then forward the paging message(s) to the appropriate UE devices, such as UE  110 , etc. Thus, the AMF  150  correctly transmits signaling messages to the connected RAN nodes that are in SA connection mode. 
       FIG. 3  is a third transmission flow diagram between at least one core network element and a plurality of RAN nodes connected to the core network illustrating a second method of dynamically configuring the connection modes of the plurality of RAN nodes according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In operations S 3001  and S 3001 B, the AMF  150  transmits a first signaling message, e.g., a paging message, to both the ng-eNB node  120  and the gNB node  130 , without having knowledge as to whether the ng-eNB node  120  and gNB node  130  are in SA mode or NSA mode. For example, the ng-eNB node  120  and the gNB node  130  may have established a control plane connection with the AMF  150  without having transmitted an indication of their respective connection mode statuses, etc. In operation S 3002 , because the gNB node  130  is in SA mode, the gNB node  130  forwards the paging message to the appropriate UEs, such as UE  110 , and then forwards a paging response to the AMF  150 . Because the AMF  150  has received a successful paging response from the gNB node  130 , the AMF  150  is able to dynamically determine the gNB node  130  is operating in SA mode, and the AMF  150  may update its records associated with the gNB node  130 , including updating the AMF  150 &#39;s records regarding the gNB node  130 &#39;s connection mode configuration status and/or setting a signaling message configuration value associated with the gNB node  130  corresponding to the connection mode configuration status. 
     In operation S 3002 B, because the ng-eNB node  120  is operating in NSA mode, the ng-eNB node  120  transmits an error message to the AMF  150  in response to the paging message. The error message may include a cause value indicating the connection mode configuration of the ng-eNB node  120 , e.g., an indication that the ng-eNB node  120  is operating in NSA mode. Because the AMF  150  has received an unsuccessful response (e.g., error message) from the ng-eNB node  120 , the AMF  150  is able to dynamically determine the ng-eNB node  120  is operating in NSA mode, and the AMF  150  may update its records associated with the ng-eNB node  120 , including updating the AMF  150 &#39;s records regarding the ng-eNB node  120 &#39;s connection mode configuration status and/or setting a signaling message configuration value associated with the ng-eNB node  120  corresponding to the connection mode configuration status. 
     Next, in operation  53003 , the AMF  150  may decide to transmit a signaling message, e.g., a paging message, etc., to UEs within its territorial area, such as UEs connected to ng-eNB node  120  and gNB node  130 . The AMF  150  may determine which RAN node(s) to transmit the signaling message to using the connection mode indications determined from the first signaling message responses sent by the ng-eNB node  120  and gNB node  130 , etc. In operation  53004 , the AMF  150  transmits a second paging message to the gNB node  130  because the gNB node  130  is in SA connection mode (e.g., a desired connection mode). The gNB node  130  then forwards the paging message to the appropriate UE device, such as UE  110 . Additionally, in operation  53004 B, the AMF  150  does not transmit a second paging message to ng-eNB node  120  because the ng-eNB node  120  is in NSA only mode (e.g., a non-desired connection mode), thereby reducing the number of signaling messages transmitted across the network, and increasing the efficiency of network resource usage. 
       FIG. 4  is a fourth transmission flow diagram between at least one core network element and a plurality of RAN nodes connected to the core network illustrating a static method of configuring the connection modes of the plurality of RAN nodes according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In operations  54001  and  54002 , the AMF  150  obtains O&amp;M configuration values corresponding to the ng-eNB node  120  and the gNB node  130  from a O&amp;M core network element (not shown). In this scenario, the O&amp;M configuration values indicate that the ng-eNB node  120  is set to operate in SA mode and the gNB node  130  is set to operate in NSA mode. Accordingly, the AMF  150  statically determines the connection mode statuses of the ng-eNB node  120  and gNB node  130 , and the AMF  150  may update its records associated with the ng-eNB node  120  and the gNB node  130 , including updating the AMF  150 &#39;s records regarding the ng-eNB node  120 &#39;s and the gNB node  130 &#39;s connection mode configuration statuses and/or setting signaling message configuration values associated with the RAN nodes corresponding to their respective connection mode configuration statuses. 
     In operation  54003 , the AMF  150  then transmits a paging message to the ng-eNB node  120  based on the O&amp;M configuration values associated with the ng-eNB node  120 . In operation S 4001 B, the AMF  150  does not transmit a paging message to the gNB node  130  based on the O&amp;M configuration values associated with the gNB node  130 , thereby reducing the network usage, and increasing the efficiency of network resource usage. 
       FIG. 5A  is a flowchart illustrating a method for reducing signaling messages between at least one core network server and at least one RAN according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In operation S 510 , a core network server (e.g., core network element, core network device, etc.), such as AMF  150 , may establish a control plane connection (e.g., NG-C connection, etc.) to at least one RAN node, such as RAN nodes  120  and  130 , etc. The control plane connection allows the AMF  150  to transmit signaling messages, control plane messages, etc., destined for the RAN node to the RAN node, and/or signaling messages destined for one or more UE devices associated with and/or connected to the at least one RAN node through the RAN node. In operation S 520 , the core network server may determine the connection mode of the at least one RAN node. For example, the at least one RAN node may be capable of two or more connection modes, such as a SA mode or a NSA mode, etc. 
     In operation S 530 A, in response to the core network server determining that the at least one RAN node is in a desired connection mode, e.g., determines the at least one RAN node is in SA mode, the core network server may set a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node to enable and/or allow transmission of signaling messages to the at least one RAN node. Examples of the signaling messages may include NGAP messages (e.g., paging messages, public warning messages, overload messages, etc.), but are not limited thereto. In operation S 530 B, in response to the core network server determining that the at least one RAN node is not in the desired connection mode, e.g., the at least one RAN node is in NSA mode, the core network server may set the signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node to restrict and/or prohibit transmission of signaling messages to the at least one RAN node. 
     In optional operation S 540 , the core network server may transmit future signaling messages to the at least one RAN node based on the signaling message configuration value of the at least one RAN node. For example, the core network server may transmit future signaling messages in response to the signaling message configuration value corresponding to the at least one RAN node indicating the RAN node is in a desired connection mode, such as SA mode, etc. 
     While  FIG. 5A  illustrates one method for reducing signaling messages between at least one core network server and at least one RAN, the example embodiments are not limited thereto, and other methods may be used. For example, according to at least one example embodiment, the RAN nodes may be capable of operating in three or more connection modes, and the desired connection mode may be a subset of the entire set of possible connection modes (e.g., a first connection mode and a second connection mode, etc.), and the non-desired connection mode may be a remaining subset of the entire set of possible connection modes (e.g., a third connection mode, etc.). 
       FIG. 5B  is a flowchart illustrating a first method for determining whether a RAN node is a desired connection mode in association with the method of  FIG. 5A  according to at least one example embodiment. Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , in operation S 511 , the core network server may determine the connection mode of the at least one RAN node by receiving a message from the at least one RAN node including a cause value and/or information indicating the connection mode (e.g., SA mode, NSA mode, etc.) of the at least one RAN node. The message may be a NG setup request message, a RAN configuration update message, etc., but the example embodiments are not limited thereto. 
     In operation S 521 , the core network server may determine whether the message received from the at least one RAN node indicates the RAN node is in the desired connection mode. In operation S 531 A, in response to the received message indicating the RAN node is in the desired connection mode (e.g., SA mode), the core network server sets the signaling message configuration value corresponding to the RAN node to enable and/or allow transmission of at least one future signaling message to the RAN node. For example, the core network server may create or update a database record stored in its memory corresponding to the at least one RAN node indicating transmission of future signaling messages to the at least one RAN node should be enabled/permitted and/or indicating the connection mode configuration value of the at least one RAN node is the desired connection mode, etc., but the example embodiments are not limited thereto. 
     In operation S 531 B, in response to the received message indicating the RAN node is in the non-desired connection mode (e.g., NSA mode), the core network server sets the signaling message configuration value corresponding to the RAN node to restrict and/or disable transmission of at least one future signaling message to the RAN node. For example, the core network server may create or update a database record stored in its memory corresponding to the at least one RAN node indicating transmission of future signaling messages to the at least one RAN node is restricted/disabled and/or indicating the connection mode configuration value of the at least one RAN node is the non-desired connection mode, etc., but the example embodiments are not limited thereto. 
       FIG. 5C  is a flowchart illustrating a second method for determining whether a RAN node is a desired connection mode in association with the method of  FIG. 5A  according to at least one example embodiment. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5C , in operation S 522 , the core network server may determine the connection mode of the at least one RAN node by transmitting at least a first signaling message to the at least one RAN node. The first signaling message may be a paging message, a public warning message, an overload message, etc. In operation S 523 , the core network server may receive a response message corresponding to the first signaling message from the at least one RAN node. For example, the response message may be an acknowledgement message, an error message including a cause value and/or information indicating the RAN node is in a non-desired connection mode (e.g., the RAN node is in NSA mode or otherwise does not support SA mode functionality), etc. In operation S 524 , the core network server determines whether the response message is an error message indicating the at least one RAN node is not in the desired connection mode by analyzing the contents of the response message, such as the cause value (e.g., error cause value), etc. 
     In operation S 532 A, in response to the core network server determining the response message is not an error message indicating the RAN node is in the non-desired connection mode (e.g., the RAN node is in SA mode), the core network server sets the signaling message configuration value corresponding to the RAN node to enable and/or allow transmission of at least one future signaling message to the RAN node. 
     In operation S 532 B, in response to the core network server determining the response message was an error message indicating the RAN node is not in the desired connection mode (e.g., the RAN node is in NSA mode), the core network server sets the signaling message configuration value corresponding to the RAN node to restrict and/or disable transmission of at least one future signaling message to the RAN node. 
       FIG. 5D  is a flowchart illustrating a third method for determining whether a RAN node is a desired connection mode in association with the method of  FIG. 5A  according to at least one example embodiment. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5D , in operation S 525 , the core network server accesses a local configuration database including configuration information (e.g., O&amp;M configuration values, etc.) associated with the at least one RAN node. In operation S 526 , the core network server determines whether the local configuration setting for the RAN node indicates the RAN node is in the desired connection mode or the non-desired connection mode. 
     In operation S 533 A, the core network server sets the signaling message configuration value of the at least one RAN node to enable and/or allow transmission of future signaling messages to the at least one RAN node if the local configuration setting indicates the at least one RAN node is in the desired connection mode. In operation S 533 B, the core network server sets the signaling message configuration value of the at least one RAN node to restrict transmission of future signaling messages to the at least one RAN node if the local configuration setting indicates the at least one RAN node is in the non-desired connection mode. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a RAN node to reduce signaling messages between the RAN node and a core network according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In operation S 610 , the RAN node (e.g., ng-eNB node  120 , gNB node  130 , etc.) may set its connection mode to be at least a first connection mode (e.g., SA mode), a second connection mode (e.g., NSA mode), or a different connection mode. In operation S 620 , the RAN node may establish a control plane connection (e.g., a NG-C connection, etc.) with at least one core network server (e.g., AMF  150 , etc.). In operation S 630 , the RAN node may transmit at least one message (e.g., a control plane connection request, a NG setup request, a RAN configuration update request, an error message in response to a signaling message trigger (e.g. a paging trigger, etc.), etc.) to the at least one core network server, the at least one message including an indication of the connection mode of the RAN node. According to at least one example embodiment, operations S 620  and S 630  may occur simultaneously and/or may be combined, but the example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the RAN node may transmit a control plane connection request including an indication of the connection mode of the RAN node, etc. 
     In response to the RAN node transmitting the at least one message, the core network server may be caused to selectively restrict transmission of at least one future signaling message to the RAN node based on the indication of the RAN node&#39;s connection mode. For example, if the at least one message indicates the RAN node is in NSA mode, the AMF  150  may be caused to restrict transmission of at least one future signaling message to the RAN node by setting a signaling message configuration value corresponding to the RAN node to restrict transmission of future signaling messages to the RAN node, etc. However, if the at least one message indicates the RAN node is in SA mode, the AMF  150  may be caused to enable and/or allow transmission of future signaling messages to the RAN node by setting the signaling message configuration value corresponding to the RAN node to enable transmission of future signaling messages to the RAN node, etc. 
     While  FIGS. 5A to 6  illustrate various methods for reducing signaling messages between at least one core network server and at least one RAN, the example embodiments are not limited thereto, and other methods may be used to reducing signaling messages between at least one core network server and at least one RAN. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more of these methods may be combined into a single method, and/or one or more of the recited method operations may be combined, rearranged, omitted, and/or repeated, etc., without deviating from the scope of the example embodiments. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that one or more method operation may be executed simultaneously and/or in parallel with other method operations without deviating from the scope of the example embodiments. 
     Various example embodiments are directed towards a wireless network system capable of reducing and/or optimizing the transmission of signaling messages from at least one core network element and at least one RAN node based on a connection mode of the at least one RAN node. By determining the connection mode of the at least one RAN node prior to transmitting signaling messages to the RAN nodes connected to the core network element, the core network element may reduce and/or optimize the number of signaling messages transmitted to the RAN nodes, thereby reducing the usage of network resources. 
     This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.