Frequency Band Selection via Radio Capability and Subscription Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems, such as LTE, prioritize frequency bands based solely on user subscriptions, failing to consider the capabilities of mobile nodes, which limits the utilization of new air interface features and technologies.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that receive radio interface capabilities and subscriber frequency band priority profiles to determine frequency band priorities, allowing for dynamic selection of target cells and frequency bands that match both user subscriptions and node capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If frequency band priority is determined based solely on user subscription, then subscriber profile requirements are met, but mobile node capabilities are not utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band selection adaptabilityVSAvoidpriority determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines subscriber profile information with mobile node radio interface capabilities to determine frequency band priority. The system merges subscription-based priorities with capability-based priorities by examining both the subscriber's preferred profile and the mobile node's supported radio interfaces, then selecting frequency bands that satisfy both constraints. This resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple selection criteria without creating excessive complexity, as the combination logic is implemented through standardized protocol mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency band priority determination is made dynamic by considering both static subscriber profiles and dynamic mobile node capabilities. The system continuously evaluates the mobile node's radio interface capabilities and adjusts frequency band selection accordingly, while still respecting the subscriber's profile preferences. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions and node capabilities without requiring complete redesign of the priority determination mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If new air interface features are deployed in different frequency bands, then service quality is improved, but mobile node capabilities must be enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidmobile node capability requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile node reports its radio interface capabilities to the network, and the network uses this feedback information to determine appropriate frequency band priorities. The network node (e.g., eNodeB or RNC) receives capability information from the mobile node and adjusts frequency band selection accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that ensures service quality matches actual node capabilities without forcing unnecessary capability upgrades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter used for frequency band selection from solely subscriber profile to a combination of subscriber profile and mobile node radio interface capabilities. By introducing capability-based parameters into the selection process, the system can leverage new air interface features in different frequency bands while ensuring the mobile node actually supports the required capabilities, thus improving service quality without imposing unnecessary complexity on nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If frequency band priority data structure is enhanced to include mobile node capabilities, then frequency band selection accuracy is improved, but data structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band priority accuracyVSAvoiddata structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency band priority data structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it stores subscriber profile information, mobile node capability information, and derived priority decisions. By making the data structure multi-functional, the system achieves high accuracy in frequency band selection without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same structure handles multiple data types and selection criteria through standardized fields and protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9474071B2Apparatus and a method for selecting a frequency band in a mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2016.10.18 TELIASONERA AB
  • US9474071B2 patent drawing
  • US9474071B2 patent drawing
  • US9474071B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and apparatus. In the method, an apparatus, for example, a base station, receives radio interface capabilities from a mobile node. The apparatus receives a subscriber frequency band priority profile identifier from a mobility management entity node. The apparatus finds an entry from a frequency band priority data structure using the subscriber frequency band priority profile identifier and the at least one radio interface capability and obtaining at least one frequency band priority from the entry. The apparatus applies the at least one frequency band priority to control the mobility of the mobile node.