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MMEI MME identifier

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The MMEI (Mobility Management Entity Identifier) is an identifier used in LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks for identifying the MME (Mobility Management Entity). The MME is a key element of the LTE network architecture, responsible for handling the mobility of user equipment (UE) and managing the signaling between the UE and the network.

The MMEI is a 32-bit identifier assigned to each MME in the network. It is used by the UE to identify the MME it is attached to, and by the network to identify the MME that is responsible for handling the UE's mobility. The MMEI is included in the messages exchanged between the UE and the network during the attachment and mobility procedures.

The MMEI is unique within the LTE network and is assigned by the network operator. It is composed of two parts: the MME Group Identifier (MMEGI) and the MME Code (MMEC). The MMEGI is a 16-bit value that identifies the group of MMEs that share the same MMEI. The MMEC is a 8-bit value that identifies the specific MME within the MMEGI.

The MMEI is used in various LTE procedures, including:

  1. Attach Procedure: When a UE attaches to the LTE network, it sends an Attach Request message to the network. This message includes the MMEI of the target MME. The network uses the MMEI to determine the MME that will handle the UE's mobility.
  2. Tracking Area Update Procedure: When a UE moves from one tracking area to another, it sends a Tracking Area Update message to the network. This message includes the MMEI of the current MME. The network uses the MMEI to determine the new MME that will handle the UE's mobility.
  3. Handover Procedure: When a UE moves from one cell to another, a Handover procedure is initiated to transfer the UE's connection from the source eNodeB (Evolved Node B) to the target eNodeB. The MME plays a key role in this procedure by managing the signaling between the UE and the network. The MMEI is used to identify the MME that will handle the UE's mobility during the handover procedure.
  4. Paging Procedure: When the network needs to contact a UE that is in idle mode, it initiates a Paging procedure. The MMEI is used to identify the MME that is responsible for paging the UE.
  5. Service Request Procedure: When a UE needs to request a service from the network, such as initiating a voice call or sending a data packet, it sends a Service Request message to the network. This message includes the MMEI of the current MME. The network uses the MMEI to determine the MME that will handle the UE's mobility during the service request procedure.

In summary, the MMEI is a unique identifier assigned to each MME in the LTE network. It is used by the UE and the network to identify the MME that is responsible for handling the UE's mobility. The MMEI is composed of the MME Group Identifier (MMEGI) and the MME Code (MMEC), and is used in various LTE procedures, including Attach, Tracking Area Update, Handover, Paging, and Service Request.