Mobile Station E-UTRAN Cell Identification Without Neighbour Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile stations (MS) become constrained when unable to connect to an available E-UTRAN network, despite being served by a GERAN cell, due to lack of E-UTRAN cell information in the neighbour cell list, limiting access to higher data rates and lower latency offered by E-UTRAN networks.
Innovation Solution
The MS performs undirected or directed searches for E-UTRAN cells by receiving permission, either autonomously or based on rules signaled by the network, allowing reselection to E-UTRAN cells even if not listed in the neighbour cell list, using techniques such as E-UTRAN-indicative ARFCNs and NAS signaling to identify and connect to E-UTRAN frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the neighbour cell list is used to provide E-UTRAN cell information, then the MS can identify and connect to E-UTRAN networks, but the network infrastructure requires full upgrades to E-UTRAN standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the MS autonomously identifies E-UTRAN cells using physical layer characteristics (synchronization signals, cell IDs) without requiring the traditional neighbour cell list from the network. This mediator approach (direct physical layer detection) allows connection to E-UTRAN networks without full network infrastructure upgrades, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and network upgrade complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the MS performs autonomous undirected searches for E-UTRAN cells, then access to E-UTRAN networks is enabled without network upgrades, but the MS consumes additional energy and processing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by having the MS perform targeted undirected searches only for specific E-UTRAN physical layer characteristics (synchronization signals, cell identification) rather than exhaustive scanning of all possible parameters. This selective approach enables RAT selection flexibility while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and processing overhead
3Productivity
If the MS is constrained by GERAN cell service without E-UTRAN neighbour cell information, then it maintains stable connection to current network, but it cannot access higher data rates and lower latency of E-UTRAN
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the MS to self-service by autonomously detecting and identifying E-UTRAN cells through direct physical layer measurements (synchronization signals, cell IDs) without relying on network-provided neighbour cell lists. This self-service capability allows the MS to overcome information loss about E-UTRAN cells and access higher data rates and lower latency, resolving the contradiction between productivity and information loss
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile station capable of being served via a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second RAT. The mobile station includes a component configured to receive a permission to identify a cell of the first RAT in absence of a first radio access type neighbour cell list for a serving cell of the second RAT. The mobile station also includes a component configured to identify a cell of the first RAT after receiving the permission.