Carrier Application Hardware Parameter Adaptation for RAN Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) performance is suboptimal when migrated from one radio access network (RAN) to another due to unchanged hardware parameters, as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) restrict access to these parameters for security reasons, preventing ad-hoc adjustments that could optimize performance in new networks.
Innovation Solution
A carrier application on the UE, extended by the operating system's API, sets hardware parameter values using secure access credentials, either from a removable identity module or locally stored, allowing optimized configuration for different RANs without compromising security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If OEMs restrict access to hardware parameters for security reasons, then system security is improved, but adaptability to different RANs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure element as an intermediary component that stores credentials and a carrier application as a mediator that facilitates secure parameter updates. The secure element acts as a trusted intermediary between the carrier application and the hardware parameters, enabling secure access without compromising overall system security. This resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled access mechanism that maintains security while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configurability of hardware parameters through software-based updates. Instead of static, fixed parameters, the system allows parameters to be dynamically updated based on the target RAN characteristics. The carrier application can retrieve updated parameter sets from the device management server and apply them, making the system adaptable while maintaining security through the credential verification mechanism.
2Productivity
If hardware parameters are pre-configured for a specific RAN, then initial performance is improved, but performance in migrated RANs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of hardware parameters for the initial RAN during manufacturing, ensuring optimal initial performance. Simultaneously, it prepares for future migration by implementing the carrier application and secure element infrastructure, which enables subsequent parameter updates. This preliminary setup allows the device to maintain high performance in the initial RAN while being prepared for seamless adaptation to migrated RANs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the carrier application to retrieve updated hardware parameter sets from the device management server based on the target RAN characteristics. The system can change frequency bands, power levels, and other radio access parameters to optimize performance in the new RAN, resolving the performance deterioration issue in migrated networks.
3Reliability
If centralized servers are used for parameter management, then security control is improved, but system complexity and reliance on external infrastructure worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security management functionality into two parts: centralized credential storage and verification on the device management server, and local parameter application through the carrier application on the UE. This segmentation allows security control to remain centralized while reducing the complexity of continuous server connectivity requirements. The secure element on the device independently verifies credentials, reducing reliance on external infrastructure for every operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring hardware parameter values of a user equipment (UE) after distribution to an end user. The method comprises identifying an electronic chip that comprises a component in the UE by a carrier application that executes on the UE, where the carrier application is configured with wireless communication service provider access permissions, transmitting a request for preferred hardware parameter values by the carrier application to a device management server, where the request comprises the identity of the electronic chip, receiving preferred hardware parameter values by the carrier application from the device management server, and, based on the received preferred hardware parameter values, setting a hardware parameter value of the electronic chip to the corresponding preferred hardware parameter value, whereby the UE is configured for optimized wireless communication in a radio access network.