Cross-Network Paging for RRC-Inactive UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently paging user equipment (UE) across multiple networks, particularly when UE is in RRC-inactive states, leading to unsuccessful paging attempts and increased energy consumption due to unnecessary monitoring of paging information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize access network devices to exchange messages via Xn interfaces, allowing one network to assist another in paging the UE, reducing overhead and improving efficiency by providing necessary identification and paging policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE monitors paging information in multiple networks simultaneously, then the paging coverage is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network side performs preliminary actions by determining whether downlink data exists for the UE in other networks before triggering the UE to monitor paging information. This allows the network to proactively manage paging resources and avoid unnecessary monitoring by the UE, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable paging coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network side receives feedback about UE data status and adjusts paging monitoring requirements accordingly. When downlink data is detected for a UE in other networks, the network triggers appropriate paging monitoring; when no data exists, monitoring is reduced or suspended, optimizing the balance between paging reliability and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If the UE monitors paging information in multiple networks simultaneously, then the paging coverage is improved, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network side performs preliminary determination of downlink data status before initiating paging procedures. This preliminary action allows the network to selectively trigger paging monitoring only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary signaling exchanges and reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining comprehensive paging coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the UE to continuously monitor paging information in all networks (excessive action), the system applies partial monitoring only in networks where downlink data actually exists. This selective approach reduces signaling overhead while ensuring adequate paging coverage through targeted monitoring in relevant networks.
3Device complexity
If the accessed first access network device pages the UE alone, then the paging process is simple, but the second network cannot successfully page the UE
Solution Approach 1:
The accessed first access network device is赋予 (endowed with) multi-functionality: it not only performs local paging for its own network but also assists other networks in paging the UE by forwarding paging requests and coordinating with the UE. This universal capability allows a single access network device to serve multiple networks, ensuring successful paging across networks without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessed first access network device acts as an intermediary between the second network and the UE. It receives paging requests from the second network, coordinates with the UE that is currently connected to it, and facilitates the paging process. This intermediary role enables successful cross-network paging while maintaining relatively simple individual device operations.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a paging method and an apparatus, to help UE in an RRC-inactive state access a plurality of networks. The method is applied to a first access network device. The first access network device belongs to a first network, a second access network device belongs to a second network, and the first network may be different from the second network. According to this application, when UE accesses the first network, when downlink data of the second network arrives, the UE may receive the data of the second network. Specifically, the first access network device receives downlink data of a terminal from a first core network device, where the first core network device belongs to the first network.