CBRS Network Interface Selection for Seamless Multi-Operator Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of wireless networks, particularly in Tier-2/Tier-3 venues and indoor private buildings, is hindered by the high cost of acquiring licensed spectrum, leading to poor coverage and slow densification of small cells, while the introduction of Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) aims to address this by enabling shared wireless broadband use of the 3.5 GHz band, necessitating efficient network interface management for seamless device connectivity and mobility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods for coarse and fine selection of CBRS networks, including automatic profile enabling/disabling, user management, tiered hierarchy, data slot switching, and prioritization, along with CBRS network identifier matching and user-ranked priority to manage multiple CBRS networks effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If licensed spectrum is acquired for wireless network deployment, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but installation costs and spectrum acquisition costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectrum parameter from exclusively licensed 3.5GHz band to shared CBRS spectrum with three tiers (priority access tier, advanced mobile user tier, general mobile user tier). This parameter change enables cost reduction while maintaining network coverage through shared access rights rather than exclusive licensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a CBRS network selector that acts as an intermediary between wireless devices and multiple CBRS networks. This selector manages network selection, roaming, and mobility across different CBRS networks, enabling cost-effective deployment by allowing devices to access shared spectrum resources without requiring expensive licensed spectrum acquisitions.
2Productivity
If Tier-1 carriers acquire licensed spectrum, then network capacity for high-density users is improved, but innovation is slowed and service improvements are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3.5GHz spectrum into three distinct tiers with different access rights and priorities. This segmentation allows multiple carriers and operators to share the spectrum efficiently, promoting innovation and service improvement by enabling flexible deployment strategies for Tier-2 and Tier-3 carriers without requiring expensive licensed spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network selection and roaming mechanisms that allow devices to dynamically switch between different CBRS networks based on conditions. This dynamic approach enables flexible adaptation to changing network conditions, promoting innovation while maintaining high network capacity through efficient shared spectrum utilization.
3Ease of manufacture
If neutral host DAS is deployed to reduce costs, then installation cost is reduced, but device mobility and network selection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the CBRS network selector automatically manages network selection, roaming, and mobility without requiring manual user intervention. The system autonomously selects optimal networks based on predefined criteria and user profiles, reducing device complexity while maintaining cost-effective neutral host DAS deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the CBRS network selector continuously monitors network conditions, signal quality, and user preferences to make informed network selection decisions. This feedback loop enables intelligent automation that simplifies device operation while maintaining cost-effective deployment of shared spectrum networks.
4Reliability
If small cells are deployed to improve coverage in underserved areas, then wireless coverage is improved, but spectrum acquisition cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables small cells to serve multiple functions by allowing them to operate on shared CBRS spectrum rather than requiring exclusive licensed spectrum. This universality allows small cells to provide coverage in underserved areas while contributing to the shared spectrum pool, reducing overall spectrum acquisition costs while improving wireless coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectrum acquisition parameter from exclusive licensed spectrum to shared CBRS spectrum for small cell deployments. This parameter change enables cost-effective spectrum acquisition while maintaining the ability to provide comprehensive coverage through efficient shared access and priority-based resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for network interface management for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) deployments, e.g., in LTE and/or 5G NR systems and beyond, including methods for coarse selection of CBRS networks and fine selection of CBRS networks as well as support for multiple CBRS networks. Coarse selection of CBRS networks may include various triggers for automatic CBRS profile enabling and/or disabling, user management and overriding of system selections, tiered hierarchy for CBRS network enabling and/or disabling, as well as mechanisms to avoid ping-ponging between network selection. Fine selection of CBRS networks may include data slot switching between mobile network operators (MNOs, e.g., LTE/NR macro cells) and CBRS eSIM as well as prioritization of CBRS networks over Wi-Fi networks. Multiple CBRS networks support may include CBRS network identifier (NID) matching for unique identification as well as user-ranked CBRS priority.