Air Interface Configuration for Multi-Standard Wireless Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communications systems face challenges in establishing a seamless connection between terminal devices and radio access networks using different wireless communications standards, as existing methods are not applicable when multiple access network devices with varying standards are involved.

Innovation Solution

An air interface configuration method is introduced, where a second access network device determines air interface configuration information and sends messages to a first access network device, enabling the terminal device to configure its air interface with both access network devices, ensuring compatibility and communication across different standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal device accesses multiple radio access network devices with different wireless communications standards, then the adaptability and versatility of the communication system is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of configuration increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to access multiple radio access network devices with different standardsVSAvoidcomplexity of air interface configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a standardized interface layer between the terminal device and multiple radio access network devices with different standards. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of multi-standard configuration by providing a unified configuration mechanism, where the terminal device receives air interface configuration information through a standardized procedure regardless of the specific RAT type, thus resolving the contradiction between multi-standard adaptability and configuration complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal air interface configuration method that can be applied across different radio access network devices using various wireless communications standards. The configuration procedure is designed to be RAT-agnostic, allowing the same configuration mechanism to serve multiple standards (LTE, 5G, etc.), thereby reducing the need for separate configuration procedures for each standard and simplifying the overall system complexity

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

2Reliability

If air interface configuration is performed for multiple radio access network devices, then the reliability of connection establishment is improved, but the time required for configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment between terminal device and multiple access network devicesVSAvoidair interface configuration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs air interface configuration information determination and preparation in advance before the terminal device actually accesses the radio access network devices. The configuration information is pre-configured and stored in the access network devices, so when the terminal device needs to access, the configuration can be quickly applied without time-consuming real-time negotiation, thus reducing configuration time while ensuring reliable connection establishment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the air interface configuration procedures for multiple radio access network devices into a unified configuration process. Instead of performing separate configuration procedures for each RAT type, the configuration information is determined and transmitted through a single standardized procedure that covers all access network devices, thereby reducing the total configuration time while maintaining reliable connections across multiple standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3687223B1Terminal device, access network device, air interface configuration method, and wireless communications system
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3687223B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3687223B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3687223B1 patent drawingFigure 3C~3D

AI summary

This application relates to the field of wireless communications technologies, and in particular, to a terminal device, an access network device, an air interface configuration method, and a wireless communications system, so as to establish a connection between a terminal device and two radio access network devices. A second access network device includes: a processor, configured to determine air interface configuration information of an air interface between a terminal device and a radio access network; and a transmitter, configured to send a first air interface configuration message including the air interface configuration information to a first access network device that is in the radio access network and that uses a wireless communications standard different from that of the second access network device. The air interface includes a first air interface protocol layer between the terminal device and the first access network device and a second air interface protocol layer between the terminal device and the second access network device, where the second air interface protocol layer is above the first air interface protocol layer. The first air interface configuration message is a message of an air interface protocol layer that is in the second air interface protocol layer and that is used to configure an air interface. A solution for successfully establishing a connection between a terminal device and two radio access network devices is provided.