Network Handover Method for LTE Resource Conservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing CSFB technology leads to wastage of LTE network resources due to long-term camping of UE, as it can only provide high-speed data services, and inefficient handover between different network standards during voice calls.

Innovation Solution

A network handover method that allows UE to switch between LTE and 2G/3G networks based on user instructions, enabling or disabling data services by detaching from the LTE network and attaching to 2G/3G networks when high-speed data is not needed, and reselecting the LTE network when coverage is regained.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If UE camps on LTE network for long-term use, then high-speed data service is available, but LTE network resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata service speedVSAvoidnetwork resource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the network selection adaptable and changeable based on real-time service requirements. The terminal dynamically switches between LTE and 2G/3G networks according to whether data services are needed, rather than statically camping on one network. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for speed when needed and conserve resources when not needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the network selection parameter based on service state. When data services are disabled, the terminal changes its camping network from LTE to 2G/3G, effectively using parameter changes to balance between data speed availability and network resource conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If UE uses CSFB technology for voice calls, then voice service is provided, but handover efficiency between network standards is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice service availabilityVSAvoidhandover time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the terminal to camp on 2G/3G networks when data services are disabled. This preliminary network selection prepares the terminal for voice calls in advance, so when a voice call is initiated, the terminal is already on the appropriate network, eliminating the need for time-consuming handovers during the call setup process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If UE camps on LTE network, then high-speed data service is available, but device power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata service speedVSAvoidterminal power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes power consumption manageable through dynamic network selection. The terminal dynamically adjusts its camping network based on whether high-speed data is needed, consuming more power only when LTE is actively used for data services, and switching to lower-power 2G/3G networks when data services are disabled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the network parameter based on power consumption requirements. When data services are not needed, the terminal changes to camp on 2G/3G networks which have lower power consumption characteristics, thus balancing between maintaining the capability for high-speed data and managing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3057359B1Network switching method and terminal
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3057359B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

A network handover method, and a terminal are provided. The method includes: receiving an operation instruction for disabling a data service, and handing over, according to the operation instruction for disabling a data service, a second network currently used by the terminal to a first network; or receiving an operation instruction for enabling a data service, and handing over, according to the operation instruction for enabling a data service, a first network currently used by the terminal to a second network, where a network standard of the first network is a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System UMTS network standard or a Global System for Mobile Communications GSM network standard, and a network standard of the second network is a Long Term Evolution LTE network standard. In the present invention, when UE disables a data service and does not use a high-speed data network, LTE resources are automatically released, and the UE falls back to a 2G/3G circuit switched network. When the UE needs to perform a packet switched data service, the UE is re-handed over to the LTE network, thereby reducing LTE network resources.