Network Fallback and Fast Return for Voice Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G NR networks may not be fully optimized for voice communication sessions, leading to suboptimal user experiences, prompting service providers to deploy LTE networks for voice communication, known as EPS fallback, which affects network efficiency and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a fallback mechanism in user devices from higher bandwidth 5G connections to lower bandwidth 4G LTE connections for voice calls, with the option to quickly return to higher bandwidth connections after voice calls are terminated, based on data throughput requirements, to ensure optimal network resource allocation and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 5G NR network is used for voice communication sessions, then network bandwidth and data throughput are improved, but voice communication quality and user experience deteriorate due to lack of optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between 5G NR and LTE networks based on the type of communication service required. For voice calls, it falls back to LTE which is optimized for voice quality, while for data-intensive applications, it utilizes 5G NR for high throughput. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the appropriate network based on real-time needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the network selection parameter based on the service type. By detecting whether the current service is a voice call or data application, the system adjusts the network parameter (5G or LTE) accordingly, thereby optimizing both voice quality and data throughput for different scenarios.
2Reliability
If EPS fallback to LTE network is implemented for voice calls, then voice communication quality is improved, but network switching time and service interruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining registration with both 5G NR and LTE networks simultaneously. When a voice call is detected, the fallback to LTE is expedited because the device is already registered and prepared on the LTE network, reducing the switching time and minimizing service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements fast return mechanisms that skip unnecessary idle states during network switching. When returning from LTE to 5G NR after a voice call, the system rushes through the reconnection process by utilizing pre-established connections and skipping prolonged idle periods, thereby reducing the overall switching time.
3Device complexity
If user device remains on LTE network after voice call, then network resource allocation is simplified, but data throughput and network efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the type of data service required and provides feedback to the network selection mechanism. After a voice call ends, if the subsequent service is data-intensive, the feedback triggers a return to 5G NR network, ensuring high data throughput while maintaining manageable network complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The network selection is dynamically adjusted based on real-time service requirements. The system transitions from LTE to 5G NR when data throughput is needed, and vice versa for voice services. This dynamic behavior optimizes data productivity while keeping network management complexity manageable through service-driven automation.
4Productivity
If fast return to 5G NR network is implemented after voice calls, then data throughput is improved, but network switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switching mechanism operates autonomously based on service type detection. The device itself determines when to switch between 5G NR and LTE networks by detecting the type of communication service (voice or data) and executing the appropriate fallback or return actions, thereby improving data throughput without requiring complex external control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include establishing a Fifth Generation (5G) a network connection with a user equipment (UE) device and receiving, by a 5G wireless station, information associated with handling voice communication sessions for the UE device. The method may also include receiving information, from the UE device or directed to the UE device, associated with a first voice communication session, signaling a Fourth Generation (4G) wireless station to establish a connection to the UE device, in response to receiving the information associated with the first voice communication session and establishing, by the 4G wireless station, a connection to the UE device. The method may further include conducting the first voice communication session over a 4G network, determining whether the first voice communication session has terminated and determining whether to reconnect to the 5G network, in response to determining that the first voice communication session has terminated.