Mobile Device 5G Network Access Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of 5G networks alongside existing LTE networks poses challenges in seamless interworking, particularly in ensuring minimal impact on legacy systems and optimizing power consumption for mobile devices searching for 5G connectivity, as LTE networks may not be aware of 5G availability and require continuous scanning, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect the availability of 5G services and reconfigure mobile devices to use 5G resources in areas where they are available, while limiting battery usage outside such areas by adjusting search criteria based on previous detection of 5G signals and frame synchronization status, allowing for efficient power management and reduced scanning when 5G is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile devices continuously scan for 5G networks to ensure connectivity, then network availability is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning instead of continuous scanning by using discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles. The mobile device scans for 5G networks at specific intervals defined by DRX parameters, allowing the device to enter low-power states between scans. This periodic action maintains network availability while significantly reducing battery consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts scanning behavior based on detected 5G network conditions. When 5G signals are detected, the device increases scanning frequency to maintain connectivity. When 5G networks are unavailable or weak, the device reduces scanning intensity and falls back to LTE networks. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between reliability and energy consumption based on real-time network conditions.
2Speed
If mobile devices prioritize 5G network searching to utilize faster speeds, then network speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different scanning intensities and priorities to different network types based on their local characteristics. For 5G networks, the device uses higher priority scanning when signals are detected to maximize speed benefits. For LTE networks, the device uses lower priority scanning to conserve energy. This local quality approach allows the device to optimize for speed in 5G zones while conserving power in LTE zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes scanning parameters such as measurement frequency, reference signal received power (RSRP) thresholds, and cell reselection criteria based on the detected network type and signal conditions. When 5G networks are available with sufficient signal strength, the device adjusts parameters to prioritize 5G connectivity for faster speeds. When 5G parameters indicate poor coverage or when LTE provides adequate service, the device modifies parameters to reduce scanning activity and conserve power.
3Measurement precision
If mobile devices perform frequent network scans to detect 5G availability, then network detection accuracy is improved, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessments of 5G network availability using low-power detection methods before initiating full scanning sequences. The device first checks for presence of 5G synchronization signals or reference signals at reduced power levels. Only when these preliminary indicators suggest 5G availability does the device proceed to more accurate but energy-intensive scanning. This preliminary action filters out unnecessary full scans in areas without 5G coverage, improving detection accuracy while reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where scanning results from previous measurements influence future scanning behavior. If multiple consecutive scans detect strong 5G signals, the device increases detection accuracy and maintains higher scanning frequency. If scans consistently show weak or absent 5G signals, the device reduces scanning intensity and prioritizes LTE networks. This feedback loop optimizes the balance between detection precision and energy consumption by adapting scanning behavior to actual network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to manage and use access information in a transitional and/or multigenerational network environment. In some example implementations, an indication associated with the availability of services associated with a second network is received during the performance of procedures associated with a layer of a first network. Based at least in part on the indication associated with the availability of second network services in the location associated with a mobile device, a control signal is generated causing a reconfiguration of a mobile device. Some example embodiments arise in the context of the fifth generation (5G) networks deployed alongside Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, such that the mobile device can be reconfigured based at least in part on the availability or unavailability of 5G service.