5G Terminal Connectivity Detection by Access Type

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a 5G network, the status of a terminal device cannot be accurately determined based on the mobile reachable timer, which is used in 4G systems, leading to inaccuracies in determining connectivity states.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for determining the status of a terminal device by using an access and mobility management network element to obtain the access type, whether 3GPP or non-3GPP, and assess the connection status to accurately define available-to-connectivity and loss-of-connectivity states, considering factors like MICO mode, idle state, and location within a restricted service area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the mobile reachable timer is used to determine terminal device status in 5G network, then the determination process is simple, but the accuracy of determining connectivity state is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination process complexityVSAvoidconnectivity state determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connectivity determination by separating 3GPP access and non-3GPP access into distinct connectivity states. The network device maintains separate first connectivity state information for 3GPP access and second connectivity state information for non-3GPP access, allowing independent assessment of each access type rather than using a single unified timer-based determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the determination parameters from a single mobile reachable timer to multiple parameters including access type identification, MICO mode status, idle state information, and location data. This multi-parameter approach enables more accurate connectivity assessment by considering various factors that affect terminal reachability through different access networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If separate connectivity states for 3GPP and non-3GPP access are maintained, then the accuracy of status determination is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatus determination accuracyVSAvoidnetwork device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both 3GPP and non-3GPP access types within a single determination framework. The same network device performs connectivity determination for both access types by obtaining access type information and applying appropriate determination rules, avoiding the need for separate specialized devices for each access type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3681182B1Method, apparatus and device for determining state of terminal device
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3681182B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3681182B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3681182B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a method and an apparatus for determining a status of a terminal device, and a device. The method includes: obtaining, by an access and mobility management network element, an access type used by the terminal device to access a network, where the access type includes at least one of 3rd generation partnership project 3GPP access and non-3GPP access; and determining, by the access and mobility management network element based on a status of the terminal device in the access type, the status of the terminal device, where the status of the terminal device includes at least one of a loss-of-connectivity state and an available-to-connectivity state. By using the method according to the embodiments of this application, accuracy of determining the status of the terminal device is improved.