Dynamic RAN Selection Between 5G SA and NSA for Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile network operators face challenges in optimizing the deployment of newer radio access network (RAN) technologies like 5G while supporting legacy standards, leading to incomplete access to advanced 5G services and inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically selects between 5G standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) architectures based on mobile device capabilities, coverage conditions, and service requirements, using a radio intelligent controller to recommend the most suitable RAN type for seamless service provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If MNOs deploy 5G NSA architecture to leverage existing 4G infrastructure, then deployment complexity and cost are reduced, but access to full 5G services and network efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic RAN type selection that adapts the network architecture based on real-time conditions. The system can switch between NSA and SA modes depending on service requirements, device capabilities, and network state, allowing MNOs to optimize between deployment ease and 5G service access dynamically rather than being locked into a static architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different RAN types (NSA or SA) based on varying conditions such as service type, device capability, and network load. This parameter change enables the network to transition between different operational modes to balance deployment simplicity with full 5G functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If MNOs deploy 5G SA architecture for full 5G service access, then 5G service capability is improved, but deployment complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic selection mechanism allows the network to activate SA architecture only when and where full 5G services are required, rather than deploying SA universally. This dynamic approach reduces overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining 5G service capability where needed
3Ease of operation
If static RAN selection is used to simplify network management, then operational simplicity is improved, but network efficiency and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated RAN type selection based on real-time conditions. The network automatically determines the optimal RAN configuration without manual intervention, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving high network efficiency through condition-based optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic selection system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor network conditions, device capabilities, and service requirements to automatically adjust RAN type selection, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and high network efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a capability of a mobile device, collecting a mobile station measurement, applying a rule according to the capability and measurement to obtain a radio access network (RAN) recommendation that identifies one of a first or second RANs as a preferred RAN, wherein a service is provided to the device via the preferred RAN. The first RAN comprises a first base station that supports a first exchange of user data and corresponding control signaling to facilitate access to a first set of services. The second RAN comprises a second base station adapted to support a second exchange of user data and a third base station adapted to support a corresponding exchange of control signaling to facilitate access to a second set of services. The second RAN is unable to facilitate access to the first set of services. Other embodiments are disclosed.