Network Access Priority Signalling for 5G-4G Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in coordinating network access priorities between different networks, leading to undesired behavior due to insufficient cooperation in selecting the appropriate network for user equipment (UE), particularly between 4G and 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an apparatus and method that receive default and auxiliary network priority data to configure network access for a device, with the auxiliary data overriding the default settings and including a validity period, allowing dynamic adjustment of radio access technology and frequency selection policies between networks, such as between a 5G core network and an evolved packet core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If networks operate independently with default priority data, then each network maintains autonomous control, but coordination between networks deteriorates leading to ping-pong situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary network priority data mechanism that acts as an intermediary between networks. The first network receives auxiliary priority data from the second network, which overrides default priority data temporarily. This mediator mechanism enables coordinated network access decisions without requiring complex direct cooperation protocols between networks, thereby improving reliability while limiting complexity increase.
2Reliability
If auxiliary network priority data is used to override default data, then network access coordination improves, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic priority data management where auxiliary network priority data can override default data temporarily. The system dynamically switches between default and auxiliary priority data based on received indications, allowing flexible adaptation to changing network conditions without permanent complex configurations. This dynamic approach improves network selection accuracy while managing data complexity through time-limited overrides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring auxiliary network priority data and validity periods before network access decisions are needed. The first network receives and stores auxiliary priority data in advance, along with validity period indications. When network selection is required, the system can immediately apply the pre-prepared auxiliary data without complex real-time negotiations, thereby improving selection accuracy while containing management complexity through advance preparation.
3Productivity
If networks lack coordination mechanisms, then system simplicity is maintained, but network access performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coordination function into a separate data exchange mechanism independent of core network operations. Instead of embedding complex coordination protocols within network access procedures, the system uses a dedicated auxiliary priority data signalling approach. The first network receives auxiliary priority data and validity period indications through separate signalling, allowing efficient network access decisions without embedding complex coordination logic in the main access path, thereby improving productivity while limiting complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
Various example embodiments relate to signalling of network access priority. An apparatus may receive, at a first network, default network priority data indicative of a priority for accessing access network resources by a device. The apparatus may further receive, from a second network, auxiliary network priority data configured by the second network to override the default network priority data. The apparatus may cause configuration of network access for the device based on the auxiliary network priority data.