Multi-RAT Dynamic Link Selection for Reliable Control Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of dynamic link selection in wireless networks, particularly for Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC) services, is not adequately addressed, especially in multi-layer deployments where RRC diversity can improve mobility robustness and control plane coverage, but the method of realizing dynamic link selection is unclear.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamic link selection involves providing at least two wireless links associated with different radio access technologies, selecting one or more links based on selection parameters, and transmitting control data via these links, with the option to replicate data for redundancy, using processing circuitry to determine duplicate data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RRC diversity is implemented with multiple wireless links using different radio access technologies, then reliability and mobility robustness are improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol plane delivery reliabilityVSAvoidlink selection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic link selection where the wireless device can adaptively choose different wireless links (LTE or NR) based on current network conditions, data type, and service requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize for reliability when needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity when single-link operation suffices, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of link selection criteria by introducing multiple selection parameters including data type, service type, link quality, and network configuration. This allows the system to adjust its behavior based on specific conditions, improving reliability for critical communications while reducing complexity for routine data transmissions, thereby balancing the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If control data is transmitted via multiple wireless links with different radio access technologies, then delivery speed and robustness are improved, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol plane message delivery speedVSAvoidradio resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different transmission strategies to different types of control data based on their specific requirements. Critical control data requiring fast delivery is transmitted via multiple links with different RATs to exploit the speed advantages of each technology, while less critical data is transmitted via a single link to conserve resources. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between delivery speed and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial redundancy where control data is transmitted via multiple wireless links only when necessary for reliability or speed, rather than always using all available links. The system selectively applies multi-link transmission based on data importance and network conditions, achieving sufficient delivery speed and robustness while avoiding excessive resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic link selection is implemented across multiple radio access technologies, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring link quality increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-RAT link selection capabilityVSAvoidlink quality assessment across different RATs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal link quality assessment mechanism that works across different radio access technologies (LTE and NR). The system uses common selection parameters that can evaluate link quality regardless of the underlying RAT, enabling adaptability and versatility while maintaining consistent measurement approaches. This universal framework resolves the contradiction by providing a unified method for multi-RAT link selection.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3498042B1Dynamic link selection
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3498042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3498042B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3498042B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A method for dynamic link selection that comprises providing at least two wireless links (605) between one or more network nodes and a wireless device. The at least two wireless links associated with at least two different radio access technologies. The method additionally includes obtaining control data (610) to be sent to a first network node of the one or more network nodes. The control data is associated with a first radio access technology. The method additionally includes selecting one or more wireless links (625) from among the at least two wireless links. The one or more links selected based on a first selection parameter. The one or more selected wireless links are to be used for the transmission of the control data to the first network node. The one or more selected wireless links comprise at least a first wireless link associated with a second radio access technology. The method further includes transmitting the control data (645) associated with the first radio access technology to the first network node via at least the first wireless link associated with the second radio access technology. The method also includes obtaining the control data (650) at the first network node and determining whether the received control data is duplicated control data (655).