Device Support for Scalable Neutral Host Private LTE 5G Network Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The wireless industry faces challenges in providing reliable and cost-effective in-building wireless coverage, particularly for Tier-2/Tier-3 network operators and private venues, due to the high costs associated with deploying and maintaining distributed antenna systems (DAS) using licensed spectrum, which limits the deployment of small cells and hinders innovation in wireless services.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a device support system for scalable neutral host and private LTE/5G network discovery and mobility, utilizing Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) to enable devices to detect and connect to available private cellular networks, switch between commercial and private networks, and perform inter-frequency measurements to optimize network usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Tier-1 carriers acquire licensed spectrum allocations, then they can provide wireless services using 3GPP technologies, but it becomes too expensive for Tier-2/Tier-3 carriers and other potential local operators to deploy similar systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network deployment into two distinct models: licensed spectrum networks for Tier-1 carriers and CBRS-based unlicensed networks for Tier-2/Tier-3 carriers and enterprises. This segmentation allows different market segments to use appropriate technologies based on their needs and budget constraints, enabling cost-effective deployment for smaller operators while maintaining service reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) as an intermediary technology between licensed and unlicensed spectrum. CBRS provides a middle ground that offers carrier-grade performance without the high costs of licensed spectrum, enabling Tier-2/Tier-3 carriers and enterprises to deploy reliable wireless networks at lower costs through shared spectrum access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Tier-1 carriers focus deployment on their venues, then they can maintain control over their networks, but Tier-2/Tier-3 venues and indoor venues experience poor coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables CBRS networks to serve multiple functions and market segments simultaneously. The same CBRS infrastructure can be used by Tier-2/Tier-3 carriers for their venues, by enterprises for private networks, and by neutral hosts for multi-tenant deployments. This universality allows widespread deployment across diverse venues including indoor locations, improving overall coverage flexibility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent empowers enterprises and venue owners to deploy their own CBRS networks independently without relying on Tier-1 carrier infrastructure. This self-service capability allows organizations to control and optimize wireless coverage within their own venues, ensuring reliable indoor coverage without depending on external carriers' deployment priorities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices support multiple radio access technologies, then they can seamlessly run applications over multiple interfaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of licensed and CBRS radio interfaces under a unified mobility management framework. The device combines multiple radio access technologies (LTE and CBRS) into a single multi-RAT system with centralized control, allowing seamless operation across different network types while reducing the operational complexity that would arise from managing them as separate systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If the wireless industry pursues neutral host DAS models, then costs can be reduced and deployment simplified, but new challenges arise in device discovery and mobility management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary network discovery mechanisms where devices proactively search for and identify available CBRS networks before attempting connection. The system performs advance scanning, network identification, and capability assessment, preparing the device for seamless mobility management. This preliminary action simplifies the overall deployment by automating the complex discovery and connection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices continuously monitor network conditions, signal quality, and availability of CBRS networks. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts connectivity decisions, performs handovers between networks, and optimizes resource usage. This feedback-driven approach simplifies mobility management by automating complex decisions based on real-time conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A device, e.g. a wireless communication device may obtain information associated with private cellular networks from a provisioning server. The information may provide an indication of coverage area(s) of available private cellular network(s). The device may communicate over a commercial cellular network, and determine, based at least on the information, whether the device is located within the coverage area of any available private cellular networks. The device may connect to a first private cellular network (FPCN) of the available private cellular networks and switch from communicating over the commercial cellular network to communicating over the FPCN at least in response to the determination indicating that the device is located within the indicated coverage area. The device may disconnect from the FPCN in response to a determination that the signal level of the FPCN is below a specified value and the device is not using a wallet garden application.