Multi-RAT UE Connection Release Indicator for Seamless Network Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication environments, there is a challenge in coordinating Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to ensure seamless transitions between different networks, particularly after voice calls or when switching between SIMs, leading to potential service discontinuities.
Innovation Solution
A User Equipment (UE) is configured to proactively request connection release by sending an indicator in a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) or Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, allowing it to release the RRC connection with the first service network and potentially switch to another RAT network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE falls back from 5G network to 4G network for voice call, then voice call service is enabled, but the UE cannot automatically return to 5G network after the call ends
Solution Approach 1:
The UE sends a connection release request indicator to the network before actually releasing the RRC connection, allowing the network to prepare for the UE's return to 5G network. This preliminary notification ensures that when the voice call ends and the UE needs to return to 5G, the network is already prepared to accept the connection release and facilitate the return, thus maintaining service continuity without requiring complex automatic return mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the multi-SIM UE releases connection with first PLMN to perform activity with second PLMN, then the activity with second PLMN is enabled, but the connection state synchronization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Before the multi-SIM UE releases the connection with the first PLMN to perform activities with the second PLMN, it sends a connection release request indicator to the first PLMN. This preliminary action allows the first PLMN to retain connection state information and prepare for potential reconnection, ensuring that when the UE returns, the connection state is synchronized and preserved rather than lost.
3Reliability
If the UE re-establishes connection with first PLMN after activity with second PLMN, then connection is restored, but the connection may be over different RAT causing service discontinuity
Solution Approach 1:
The network uses the connection release request indicator as feedback to understand the UE's intention to temporarily release the connection for multi-SIM activities. Based on this feedback, the network can maintain appropriate connection states and configure the reconnection process to occur on the same RAT, ensuring service continuity rather than forcing a RAT change that would cause discontinuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A User Equipment (UE) including a wireless transceiver and a controller is provided. The wireless transceiver performs wireless transmission and reception to and from a first service network utilizing a first RAT or a second service network utilizing a second RAT. The controller sends an indicator of a connection release request to the first service network via the wireless transceiver in response to terminating a first communication service with the first service network or in response to leaving the first service network for the second service network. Also, the controller releases a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection with the first service network after sending the indicator of the connection release request.