Network Determination Entity for LTE-5G Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of synchronization between Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and fifth generation wireless network systems (5GS) mobility management entities (MME and AMF) leads to potential service failures when terminal devices are connected to both networks simultaneously, as they lack a standardized interface for coordinating communication services.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a network determination entity, combining a Home Subscriber Server and Unified Data Management, to send a request message with a unique identifier to determine the communication network with a connectivity session, receive an indication of supported networks, and select the appropriate network for initiating communication services, leveraging a combination of packet data network gateway-core network and session management functions to synchronize LTE and 5G networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If terminal devices are connected to both LTE and 5G networks simultaneously, then communication service coverage and flexibility are improved, but service failures occur due to lack of synchronization between MME and AMF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network determination entity that acts as an intermediary between the terminal device and the communication networks. This entity receives a first message containing a first identifier from the terminal device, determines whether the terminal device has a connectivity session with the 5G network, and sends a second message containing a second identifier indicating the determination result. This intermediary mechanism enables coordinated communication between LTE and 5G networks, resolving the synchronization issue while maintaining multi-network connectivity.
2Reliability
If MME and AMF are synchronized through standardized interface, then service coordination between LTE and 5G is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional interface requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The network determination entity serves as a simplified intermediary that uses lightweight message exchange (first message with first identifier, second message with second identifier) to achieve network synchronization. This approach avoids the complexity of implementing full standardized interfaces between MME and AMF, while still enabling coordinated service delivery across LTE and 5G networks.
3Measurement precision
If network determination entity is introduced to manage connectivity sessions, then service initiation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional network entities
Solution Approach 1:
The network determination entity introduces minimal complexity by implementing a straightforward determination logic: receiving a first message with a first identifier from the terminal device, determining connectivity session status with the 5G network, and sending a second message with a second identifier indicating the result. This simple intermediary structure achieves precise network selection without requiring complex device architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
In various embodiments, a method of determining a communication network for providing a communication service to a terminal communication device is provided. The method may include sending, to a network determination entity, a request message to determine a communication network that has a connectivity session with the terminal device, the request message including a unique identifier identifying the terminal device; receiving an indication message from the network determination entity including an indication of at least one communication network out of a plurality of communication networks in which the terminal device has a connectivity session; and selecting the indicated communication network for initiating the communication service in case the indicated communication network supports the communication service.