Access Device Dual Broadcast for Network Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modern communication networks, especially LTE, there is a challenge in managing access of mobile devices to different backbone networks, as older devices may not be compatible with newer revisions, leading to connectivity issues when they attempt to access access devices coupled to newer standards like 5G core networks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of two types of broadcast messages by access devices: a universal 'barred' message readable by all devices and a secondary message accessible only to devices supporting the new standard, allowing only compatible devices to access the network, ensuring backwards compatibility and seamless integration of new technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If access devices operate with newer backbone networks (e.g., 5G core network), then network modernization and new service capabilities are improved, but compatibility with older mobile devices is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork modernizationVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the access control mechanism into two distinct information types: first information (cellBarred) that all devices can read, and second information (newBarred) that only newer devices can evaluate. This segmentation allows the network to simultaneously serve both older and newer devices with appropriate access control, resolving the contradiction between network modernization and device compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making the second information (newBarred) accessible only to specific devices capable of evaluating it, while the first information (cellBarred) remains universally readable. This creates differentiated access control zones within the same broadcast message structure, allowing newer devices to receive specialized guidance while older devices receive universal guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If access devices broadcast access control information readable by all devices, then universal compatibility is improved, but the ability to control access for specific device types is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal compatibilityVSAvoidselective access control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the broadcast information into two segments: first information that provides universal access control visible to all devices, and second information that provides selective access control visible only to capable devices. This segmentation enables both universal compatibility and targeted access control simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access device maintains universal functionality by broadcasting first information that all devices can interpret, while simultaneously providing selective functionality through second information that only newer devices can evaluate. This multi-functionality approach allows a single broadcast mechanism to serve multiple purposes.

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

3Speed

If mobile devices attempt to connect to incompatible backbone networks, then connection establishment speed is improved, but network compatibility and service reliability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment speedVSAvoidnetwork compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing access control information in broadcast messages before the mobile device attempts to establish a connection. Devices can evaluate the first and second information during initial scanning, determining compatibility with the backbone network before committing to connection establishment, thus preventing wasted connection attempts on incompatible networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the cellBarred and newBarred information to preemptively prevent incompatible devices from attempting connections to incompatible backbone networks. This提前阻止 (prevention) avoids the harmful effect of failed connection attempts and ensures that only compatible devices proceed with connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3432646B1Access device, communication network and communication method
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3432646B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3432646B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3432646B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an access device (100, 200) for providing wireless access to a communication network (150, 250) for mobile devices (151, 152, 251, 252), the access device (100, 200) comprising a wireless interface (101, 201) configured to communicate with the mobile devices (151, 152, 251, 252), and a communication controller (102, 202) configured to broadcast to the mobile devices (151, 152, 251, 252) first information (103, 203) indicating that the access device (100, 200) is barred and second information (104, 204) indicating that the access device (100, 200) is accessible for selected ones of the mobile devices (151, 152, 251, 252), wherein the first information (103, 203) is readable by all mobile devices (151, 152, 251, 252) and the second information (104, 204) is readable only by the selected ones of the mobile devices (151, 152, 251, 252). Further, the present invention provides a communication network (150, 250) and a communication method.