Core Network Device Network Selection for Next-Generation UE

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In the eLTE system, there is currently no method for next-generation UE to determine which core network to access when using an eLTE eNB, leading to a lack of network selection efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A network selection method where a core network device receives messages from a terminal device and a radio access network device to instruct the terminal device to access either the EPC or NG core network based on load information and subscription data, ensuring accurate network selection by comprehensively considering both terminal and network-side selections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the terminal device independently selects a network to access, then the terminal device has autonomy in network selection, but the network selection accuracy may be insufficient without network-side consideration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal device autonomyVSAvoidnetwork selection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The core network device provides feedback to the terminal device about network selection decisions. The terminal device sends a first message indicating its preferred network, and the core network device responds with a second message that either confirms the selection or provides alternative network options, creating a feedback loop that improves selection accuracy while maintaining terminal autonomy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The core network device acts as an intermediary between the terminal device and the network. It receives the terminal's network selection preference, evaluates it against network conditions and subscription data, and mediates the final network selection by sending instructions back to the terminal device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the core network device selects the network for the terminal device, then the network selection accuracy is improved, but the terminal device loses autonomy in network selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork selection accuracyVSAvoidterminal device autonomy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device performs preliminary network selection by independently choosing a preferred network and sending this preference to the core network device in the first message, before the core network device makes its final determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The core network device provides feedback in the second message that either confirms the terminal's preferred network or instructs alternative network selection, maintaining terminal involvement in the decision-making process while ensuring accurate network selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If no network selection method is provided for next-generation UE in eLTE system, then the system maintains simplicity, but network selection efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidnetwork selection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The solution provides a universal network selection mechanism that works for both legacy UE and next-generation UE in the eLTE system. The same message exchange protocol (first message from terminal, second message from core network) handles different UE types, maintaining system simplicity while enabling efficient network selection for next-generation UE

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

Data Source

PatentEP3528550B1Network selection method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3528550B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3528550B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3528550B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~5(c)

AI summary

A network selection method and an apparatus are provided, and relate to the field of communications field, so that a core network to be accessed by next-generation UE via an eLTE eNB can be determined. The method includes: receiving, by a first core network device, a first message sent by a radio access network device, where the first message carries first information, and the first information is used to indicate that a terminal device requests to access a first network to which the first core network device belongs; and when the first core network device does not accept access of the terminal device to the first network, sending, by the first core network device, a second message to the radio access network device, where the second message carries second information, the second information is used to instruct to connect the terminal device to a second network, and the second network coexists with the first network.