Now when I have to start writing, I'm looking deep into back of my skull, to figure out with what I have my first LTE-like problem. And you know what? I don't remember.
So maybe the best way of starting anything is to start (writing) from the beginning.
Let's have a closer look at three main packet core elements of LTE network.
MME - Mobility Management Entity
MME is the key control node for LTE access network. It is responsible for tracking and paging procedure including retransmissions, and also for idle mode of User Equipment (UE). MME is also involved in bearer activation and its deactivation procedures, to its task also belongs choosing the SGW for a UE in process of initial attach and when the intra-handover take place which involves Core Network (CN) node relocation.
MME is responsible for authenticating user towards the HSS, if user is roaming MME terminates S6a interface towards user's home HSS. All Non Access Stratum (NAS) signaling terminates at the MME point, which is also responsible for generation and allocation of temporary UE identities (GUTI). Among its duties is also authorization UE to Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and enforcing UE roaming restrictions if there are any. MME is also termination point of ciphering and integrity protection for NAS signaling. Lawful Interception (LI) of signaling could be also supported by MME entity. It also provides the control plane function for mobility between LTE and 2G/3G networks by the S3 interface( from SGSN to MME).