EN-DC Radio Technology Selection by Location and Link Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks with 5G capabilities often default to using a 5G leg for the initial user-data leg without considering variable quality across different geographic areas, leading to inefficient resource usage and potential battery drain due to suboptimal 5G performance.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic selection process determines the optimal radio access technology (LTE or 5G) for the initial user-data leg based on geographic location and historical performance data, using hexbin maps to identify low-performing areas and adjust the default leg accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a 5G leg is used as the default initial user-data leg, then data throughput capability is improved, but energy consumption increases and resource efficiency deteriorates in areas with poor 5G coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the radio technology selection location-dependent. The network node determines the UE's geographic location and selects between 5G and LTE for the initial user-data leg based on location-specific performance characteristics. In areas with good 5G coverage, 5G is selected for high throughput; in areas with poor coverage, LTE is selected to avoid energy waste, thus optimizing energy consumption locally rather than using a uniform default approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from a static default 5G selection to a dynamic selection process that adapts to real-time conditions. The network node dynamically evaluates current location and performance data to determine the optimal radio technology for the initial leg, allowing the system to flexibly respond to varying coverage conditions and optimize both throughput and energy efficiency
2Productivity
If a 5G leg is used as the default initial user-data leg, then data throughput capability is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates due to inefficient use of radio frequencies in low-performing areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the radio technology selection location-dependent. The network node determines the UE's geographic location and selects between 5G and LTE for the initial user-data leg based on location-specific performance characteristics. In areas with good 5G coverage, 5G is selected for high throughput; in areas with poor coverage, LTE is selected to avoid energy waste, thus optimizing energy consumption locally rather than using a uniform default approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of poor 5G coverage into a benefit by using the coverage quality information to make intelligent routing decisions. Instead of forcing 5G usage and accepting poor performance and resource waste, the system uses the coverage information to select LTE as an alternative, thereby converting the limitation into an opportunity to optimize overall resource efficiency and avoid unnecessary 5G resource consumption in unsuitable areas
3Loss of energy
If dynamic selection based on location and performance data is implemented, then resource efficiency and energy consumption are optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing performance databases and location-performance mappings before actual communication sessions. The network node maintains pre-computed performance data for different geographic locations and radio technologies, allowing it to make rapid selection decisions without complex real-time analysis. This pre-processing reduces the complexity of the actual selection process while maintaining optimization benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a configuration message as a mediator between the performance database and the UE. The network node translates complex performance data into simple configuration instructions that tell the UE which radio technology to use for the initial user-data leg. This intermediary layer simplifies the interface between the complex selection system and the UE, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described herein improves communication quality and device efficiency by selecting an initial radio technology (e.g., LTE, 5G) for use in an EN-DC communication session between a user equipment (UE) and a communication network. The radio technology may be selected by a network node (e.g., eNodeB) based on a geographic location of the UE within a service area and performance measures calculated for geographic location. In some geographic areas, the 5G leg may perform below a threshold quality measure, while the LTE leg performs well. In these situations, designating the LTE leg as the radio technology for the initial user-data layer may yield a better overall performance (e.g., data throughput) than using the 5G technology for the initial user-data layer leg.