Hybrid LMR 5G Device Fallback Mode for Network Outages
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G/LTE communication devices face challenges in communicating when outside the network coverage area or when the 5G/LTE network experiences faults, as they are not configured for direct device-to-device communication without routing through a 5G/LTE base station.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hybrid LMR/5G operating mode that allows 5G/LTE devices to revert to LMR communication when 5G/LTE network coverage is unavailable, using LMR network profile information to reconfigure 5G/LTE devices for direct device-to-device communication over an LMR network, and switching back to 5G/LTE mode when coverage is restored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 5G/LTE devices communicate through base stations, then network coverage and management are maintained, but communication fails when outside coverage area or network experiences faults
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between 5G/LTE network mode and LMR network mode based on real-time network conditions. When 5G/LTE base station coverage is unavailable or network faults occur, devices automatically transition to LMR communication mode, and switch back when 5G/LTE coverage is restored, ensuring continuous communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device is configured to support multiple communication protocols and modes (both 5G/LTE and LMR). This multi-functionality allows the device to operate on the primary 5G/LTE network when available and seamlessly fallback to the alternative LMR network when needed, providing universal communication capability across different network environments
2Reliability
If 5G/LTE devices are configured for direct device-to-device communication, then communication continuity is improved during network outages, but device complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LMR network acts as an intermediary communication path when the primary 5G/LTE network is unavailable. Instead of requiring complex direct device-to-device communication protocols, the system uses the existing LMR network infrastructure as a mediator to relay communications, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining communication continuity
Data Source
AI summary
One example Land Mobile Radio (LMR) base station includes a network interface and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to receive profile information of a plurality of fifth generation (5G)/Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication devices. The profile information of the plurality of 5G/LTE communication devices may be transmitted (i) over a background gateway communication channel to an LMR communication network that includes the LMR base station and (ii) in response to the 5G/LTE software defined network detecting a fault condition of the first 5G/LTE communication network. The electronic processor is further configured to broadcast a capture beacon based on the profile information and compliant with at least some characteristics of a 5G/LTE communication protocol. The capture beacon is configured to be received by the 5G/LTE communication device to reconfigure the 5G/LTE communication device for communication compliant with an LMR communication protocol.