Dynamic Voice Data Toggling for Roaming User Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Older user equipment (UEs) are unable to remain connected to LTE or 5G networks while roaming due to hardcoded voice centricity, which forces them to exit networks if older radio access technologies like GSM or UMTS are unavailable, even if LTE data services are available.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for dynamic toggling of voice centricity to data centricity in UEs, allowing networks to instruct UEs to switch from voice centricity to data centricity based on available radio access technologies, enabling continued network access even when older technologies are shut down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voice centricity is hardcoded for handheld UEs in cellular networks, then voice service availability is ensured, but UEs are forced to exit the network when older radio access technologies (GSM/UMTS) are unavailable, even if LTE data services are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between voice centricity and data centricity modes based on network conditions and UE capabilities. The network can instruct UEs to toggle between these modes, allowing the system to adapt from a static hardcoded approach to a dynamic one that maintains both voice service reliability and network compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of UEs from fixed voice centricity to variable centricity mode. By allowing UEs to switch between voice centric and data centric modes based on available radio access technologies, the system maintains voice service where possible while adapting to networks with only data services available.
2Productivity
If network operators phase out 2G and 3G networks and shut down older radio access technologies, then network modernization to LTE and 5G is achieved, but older UEs become unable to connect or remain connected while roaming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the network access system universal by supporting both voice centric and data centric operation modes. This allows the network to serve both modern UEs with full capabilities and older UEs with limited capabilities, maintaining device compatibility while pursuing network modernization.
Solution Approach 2:
The network acts as an intermediary that instructs UEs to switch to data centric mode when appropriate. This intermediary control allows older UEs to access modern LTE/5G networks by mediating the capability mismatch between legacy devices and modern network infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UEs are instructed to dynamically toggle from voice centricity to data centricity, then network accessibility is improved for roaming UEs, but additional control mechanisms and signaling are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where UEs automatically toggle between voice centric and data centric modes based on network instructions. Once the UE is configured with the capability to switch modes, it can autonomously adapt to different network conditions without requiring complex continuous control, reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure a method, systems, and a non-transitory computer storage media storing computer-useable instructions for dynamic toggling of voice centricity and data centricity for roaming UEs in a network. The method begins with receiving a request to join a network from at least one UE. The network then determines the radio access technology used by the at least one UE requesting to join the network. Based on the radio access technology used by the at least one UE, the network may then instruct the at least one UE to dynamically toggle from voice centricity to data centricity. The network receives confirmation from the at least one UE that the at least one UE has toggled from voice centricity to data centricity.