Dual-Connectivity UE Connection Control for 4G Nodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During the transition from 4G LTE to 5G NR, dual-connectivity-capable UEs often connect with 4G-only access nodes instead of dual-connectivity-capable nodes, missing out on enhanced services and overloading resources intended for 4G-only UEs, due to stronger coverage from 4G-only nodes.
Innovation Solution
A system tracks occurrences of dual-connectivity-capable UEs connecting with 4G-only nodes and, when a threshold is met, blocks these UEs from connecting with 4G-only access nodes while allowing 4G-only UEs to connect, thereby encouraging dual-connectivity-capable UEs to connect with dual-connectivity-capable nodes, ensuring resource allocation for 4G-only UEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 4G-only access nodes provide stronger coverage, then 4G-only UEs can connect reliably, but dual-connectivity-capable UEs incorrectly connect to 4G-only nodes instead of dual-connectivity-capable nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different connection policies for different UE types at the same access node. The 4G-only access node treats dual-connectivity-capable UEs differently from 4G-only UEs, selectively rejecting dual-connectivity-capable UEs while accepting 4G-only UEs. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring each UE type receives appropriate connection handling tailored to its capabilities and the node's service provisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional connection acceptance logic by actively rejecting dual-connectivity-capable UEs instead of accepting all UEs that meet coverage criteria. This inversion is achieved through the Access Node's rejection message sent to dual-connectivity-capable UEs, forcing them to seek connection with dual-connectivity-capable access nodes, thereby resolving the misconnection issue while maintaining reliable service for 4G-only UEs.
2Ease of operation
If 4G-only access nodes accept all connecting UEs, then connection establishment is simple, but resources intended for 4G-only UEs become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the UE population into distinct groups (dual-connectivity-capable and 4G-only) and applying different connection policies to each group at the 4G-only access node. This segmentation allows the node to maintain simple operation for 4G-only UEs while actively managing dual-connectivity-capable UEs through rejection, thereby preserving resources for 4G-only UEs without significantly complicating the overall connection establishment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts dual-connectivity-capable UEs from the general UE connection pool at the 4G-only access node by identifying and rejecting them. This extraction prevents these UEs from consuming resources intended for 4G-only UEs. The node takes out the problematic UE category through capability-based identification and selective rejection, maintaining resource availability for the target user group while preserving operational simplicity for legitimate connections.
3Area of stationary object
If dual-connectivity-capable UEs connect to 4G-only nodes, then coverage area is maximized, but enhanced dual-connectivity services are not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing dual-connectivity-capable UEs from establishing connections with 4G-only access nodes before they can consume resources or fail to receive enhanced services. The rejection mechanism acts in advance to redirect these UEs toward appropriate dual-connectivity-capable access nodes, ensuring both service utilization and efficient resource allocation while maintaining overall network coverage through coordinated node operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for controlling operation of a first access node that supports operation according to a first radio access technology (RAT) but does not support dual-connectivity operation according to the first RAT and a second RAT. A system detects a high extent of occurrences of dual-connectivity-capable user equipment devices (UEs) being connected with the first access node when the dual-connectivity-capable UEs could instead connect with a second access node that supports the dual-connectivity operation. And in response, the first access node blocks dual-connectivity-capable UEs from being connected with the first access node while allowing UEs that are not dual-connectivity capable to be connected with the first access node.