Multi-USIM UE Availability Signaling for Network Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-USIM devices face challenges in coordinating and managing multiple services across different network operators, leading to interruptions and inefficiencies due to the lack of standardized mechanisms for coordinating actions between networks.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a signaling mechanism that allows user equipment (UE) to indicate its availability to the serving network, enabling the network to adjust scheduling accordingly and avoid interruptions. This is achieved through modifications to existing messages, such as the UEAssistanceInformation message, and the use of UCI messaging for dynamic indications of unavailability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-USIM devices coordinate multiple services across different network operators, then service coverage and functionality are improved, but coordination complexity and scheduling conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism where the UE sends availability indication messages to the serving network. This mediator approach allows the network to understand UE availability status without requiring complex device-side coordination logic, thus improving service coverage while managing coordination complexity through standardized signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE indicate its availability status in advance before actual service interruptions occur. This allows the network to proactively adjust scheduling decisions, preventing coordination conflicts before they arise rather than reacting to them after occurrence.
2Productivity
If the network schedules transmissions without knowing UE availability, then network resource utilization is maximized, but interruptions and radio link failures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE continuously provides availability indication messages to the network. This feedback loop allows the network to adapt its scheduling decisions based on real-time UE availability status, thereby maintaining both high resource utilization and connection stability by avoiding transmissions during unavailable periods.
3Productivity
If the UE indicates availability to the serving network, then scheduling efficiency and connection reliability are improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing selective availability indication where the UE only sends signaling messages when its availability status changes or when specifically requested by the network. This approach improves scheduling efficiency while minimizing signaling overhead by avoiding redundant transmissions during stable availability states.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, apparatus, computer program for a user equipment having at least two connections to at least two network nodes, where each connection corresponds to a different user identity, selecting by the user equipment one of the at least two network nodes to communicate exclusively with during one or more time intervals; and sending by the user equipment one or more messages toward the other ones of the at least two network nodes, the one or more messages indicating to the other ones of the at least two network nodes that the user equipment is unavailable for communication during the one or more time intervals.