Dual Radio Access Technology Attachment via Capability Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network technologies lack seamless solutions for wireless devices and relay nodes to connect to access nodes using multiple radio access technologies (RATs), particularly with the integration of 4G LTE and 5G NR, and existing specifications do not clearly address communication across different RATs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determine when an access node is capable of communicating via both 4G LTE and 5G NR, instructing it to broadcast an indicator, allowing wireless devices to attach to both RATs, and prioritizing attachment based on signal levels and node capabilities, enabling dual connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless devices attempt to connect to multiple access nodes with different RAT capabilities, then network coverage and service quality improve, but connection management complexity and attachment decision difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where access nodes broadcast their RAT capabilities (4G LTE, 5G NR) and wireless devices report their capabilities back to access nodes. This bidirectional feedback enables automated attachment decisions without manual configuration, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining improved network service quality through multi-RAT connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables wireless devices to autonomously determine their own attachment priorities based on pre-configured capability information about access nodes. The devices self-manage the attachment process by automatically selecting appropriate access nodes based on their capabilities and current network conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual connection management while achieving reliable multi-RAT service
2Productivity
If 5G NR is used for data transmission, then throughput and channel bandwidth utilization improve, but compatibility with existing 4G LTE infrastructure for control signaling is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functions by assigning different RATs to different purposes: 5G NR is used exclusively for high-speed data transmission while 4G LTE is used for control signaling and management. This functional segmentation allows the system to achieve high throughput on 5G while maintaining compatibility with existing 4G infrastructure for control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal communication framework where wireless devices can operate with multiple RAT capabilities simultaneously. The system is designed to be multi-functional, supporting both 4G LTE and 5G NR operations within the same device and network infrastructure, enabling seamless adaptation between different RATs based on functional requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and processing nodes for communicating using at least two different radio access technologies (RATs) include determining whether or not an access node is capable of communicating using the at least two RATs (e.g. using 4G LTE and 5G NR, also known as 5G EN-DC), and instructing the access node to broadcast an indicator, wherein receiving the indicator, a wireless device can attach to both first and second RATs. The wireless device is further instructed to prioritize which combination of RATs to attach to based on a signal level transmitting using each RAT.