5G SA-NSA Layer Steering for Uplink Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks fail to consider uplink throughput requirements during layer steering, leading to poor data speeds and unsatisfactory user experience, particularly when user equipment (UE) is operating in non-standalone (NSA) mode.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamic steering across non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) network architectures based on uplink throughput requirements, involving determining if a UE has only non-guaranteed bit rate data bearers and comparing uplink buffer thresholds and throughput estimates to facilitate a handover from SA to NSA when NSA layer throughput is higher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If layer steering is performed without considering uplink throughput requirements, then network operation simplicity is maintained, but uplink throughput and data speeds deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the steering decision parameter from basic layer availability to uplink throughput requirements. The network device evaluates whether uplink throughput requirements are met before making steering decisions, transforming the decision criterion from a simple structural check to a performance-based assessment that directly improves uplink throughput while maintaining manageable complexity through defined evaluation thresholds
Solution Approach 2:
The network device autonomously monitors uplink throughput requirements and automatically triggers steering operations when thresholds are not met. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex external control systems, allowing the network to self-optimize uplink performance while keeping the steering logic relatively simple through predefined thresholds and automatic execution
2Speed
If UE remains on SA layer without handover, then network architecture simplicity is maintained, but uplink data speeds and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic steering that adapts network architecture based on real-time uplink throughput requirements. Rather than a static SA-only or NSA-only configuration, the system dynamically transitions between SA and NSA modes based on performance needs, enabling fast uplink data speeds when required while maintaining operational simplicity through automated threshold-based decision-making that eliminates manual reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure a method for dynamic steering across non-standalone and standalone network architectures based on uplink throughput requirements is provided. The method begins with determining if at least one UE is active on an SA layer. A determination is then made whether the UE has only non-guaranteed bit rate data bearers with no voice and delay sensitive bearers. The uplink buffer threshold for the at least one UE is then compared with an operator defined uplink buffer threshold. Next, a comparison is made with an uplink throughput estimate on the SA and an uplink throughput estimate for the at least one UE on an NSA layer is made. If the NSA layer has a higher uplink throughput estimate than the SA layer, a dynamic handover is performed from the SA layer to the NSA layer.