Network Control of 5G Operation Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network standards lack guidance on selecting the optimal 5G operation mode (SA or NSA) for user equipment devices, leading to inefficient resource utilization and varying user experiences due to differences in frequency bands and coverage areas, necessitating a network-based mechanism to control the attachment mode based on geographical, traffic, and subscription-related factors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network-based mechanism that overrides the default operation mode selection of user equipment devices by considering geographical location, available frequency bands, traffic load, subscription parameters, quality of service requirements, and historical performance data to dynamically assign the most suitable 5G operation mode (SA or NSA) based on policy considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user equipment devices autonomously select 5G operation mode based on default configuration, then device autonomy and simplicity are improved, but network resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to lack of coordination with network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network function (AMF) as an intermediary that receives operation mode selection requests from user equipment and determines the appropriate 5G operation mode based on network conditions, subscription information, and device capabilities. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining device autonomy in initiating the selection process while ensuring network-coordinated optimization of resource utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network supports both SA and NSA modes concurrently for legacy and new users, then compatibility and user base coverage are improved, but network configuration complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining different operation modes for different user equipment based on their specific characteristics. The network function evaluates individual device capabilities, subscription information, and local network conditions to assign appropriate operation modes (SA or NSA) on a per-device basis. This allows the network to support both legacy and new users with optimized configurations tailored to each device's requirements, managing complexity through localized decision-making rather than uniform configuration.
3Area of stationary object
If different frequency bands are used for 5G deployment, then service coverage and capacity are improved, but operation mode selection difficulty worsens due to varying coverage areas and device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where user equipment reports its capabilities and the network function continuously monitors network conditions, device performance, and service quality. Based on this feedback, the network dynamically determines and updates the optimal operation mode for each device. This feedback loop resolves the difficulty of operation mode selection by using real-time information about frequency band performance, device capabilities, and network conditions to make informed decisions.
4Speed
If default operation mode selection is used without network control, then processing speed and simplicity are improved, but user experience consistency deteriorates due to varying network conditions and device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network function pre-determine operation mode selection policies based on device capabilities, subscription information, and network conditions before actual service delivery. The network proactively provides operation mode configuration guidance to user equipment, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making at the device level. This preliminary configuration maintains processing speed while ensuring consistent user experience across different network conditions and device types.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide for network-based selection of a UE device's 5G operation mode. A network device in a wireless core network receives a policy query for a user equipment (UE) device. The UE device is capable of 5G non-standalone (NSA) and 5G standalone (SA) operation modes. The network device identifies one or more of subscription data for the UE device, stored network data associated with the UE device, or dynamic network data relevant to the UE device. The network device assigns, based on the identifying, a radio access technology/frequency selection and prioritization (RFSP) value for the UE device. The network device sends the RFSP value to an access management function in the wireless core network for controlling selection of the 5G NSA operation mode or 5G SA operation mode.