5G NR Resource Restriction for 4G LTE Congestion Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication networks face challenges in balancing the utilization of 4G/LTE and 5G/NR resources due to unbalanced usage, leading to network congestion and inefficiency, particularly when 5G/NR resources are underutilized while 4G/LTE networks are crowded.
Innovation Solution
Implementing resource restriction methods that allow 5G capable devices to use specific NR resources, ensuring only valid 5G subscribers access 5G/NR spectrums, thereby optimizing network performance and resource efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 5G capable devices are allowed to access 5G/NR spectrums without restriction, then network capacity and data rate are improved, but network resource balance deteriorates due to overutilization of 5G resources and congestion of 4G/LTE network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource restriction where the network can flexibly adjust which 5G NR resources are available to restricted UEs based on network conditions. The network node selectively restricts access to certain 5G NR frequency resources while allowing access to others, enabling adaptive resource allocation that balances load between 4G/LTE and 5G/NR networks while maintaining overall network capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible resource restriction is implemented to balance network utilization, then network resource efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional resource management mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments 5G NR resources into restricted and non-restricted frequency resources. The network node divides the available 5G NR spectrum into different resource sets, allowing restricted UEs to access only specific segments (non-restricted resources) while blocking access to others (restricted resources). This segmentation approach enables fine-grained resource control without requiring complete redesign of the resource management system.
3Reliability
If 5G resources are restricted to only valid 5G subscribers, then resource security is improved, but network utilization deteriorates as potential users are excluded from using available 5G capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different access permissions to different 5G NR frequency resources based on the UE's subscription status. Valid 5G subscribers (non-restricted UEs) are granted access to all 5G NR resources, while restricted UEs are selectively permitted to access only certain non-restricted 5G NR frequency resources. This local differentiation of access rights maintains security for premium resources while enabling controlled utilization of available capacity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments provide a method for resource restriction. The method performed by a first network node comprises obtaining first information for a terminal device which communicates with the first network node using a first radio access technology. The first information may indicate whether there is a restriction on use of a second radio access technology by the terminal device. The method comprises determining whether the terminal device is allowed to use a first resource set which is provided by a second network node for the second radio access technology, according to the first information and whether the first network node has second information to indicate a second resource set for the second radio access technology. The second resource set is different from the first resource set, and not available for the terminal device when there is the restriction on use of the second radio access technology by the terminal device.