Network Node Access Response Delay and Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications networks, especially in small cell deployments, the existing methods for handling multiple Random Access Responses (RAR) from multiple network nodes lead to increased signaling overhead, energy consumption on the user equipment (UE) side, and interference due to unnecessary RAR messages, which degrades performance and makes it difficult for the UE to determine which network node to connect to.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first network node determines a delay for sending a response to a wireless device's access request based on preconfigured timer values considering factors like radio channel conditions, load, and capabilities, and sends this response with additional indications about its own and neighboring nodes' conditions, allowing the UE to proactively decide whether to send subsequent messages to the best-suited node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network nodes send Random Access Responses to a wireless device's access request, then the wireless device has more options for connection, but signaling overhead increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary RAR information and essential node condition indications from multiple network nodes, rather than transmitting complete RAR messages from all nodes. This selective extraction reduces signaling overhead while preserving the wireless device's ability to evaluate multiple connection options based on the provided indications about radio channel conditions, load, and capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having network nodes include indications of their current conditions (radio channel quality, load, capabilities) in the RAR messages before the wireless device makes its connection decision. This allows the wireless device to proactively select the most suitable node in advance, avoiding unnecessary subsequent messaging and reducing overall signaling overhead.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Random Access Responses are sent from different network nodes, then connection options increase, but energy consumption on the UE side increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the wireless device to perform preliminary evaluation of multiple network nodes by including condition indications (radio channel quality, load, capabilities) in the RAR messages. The device can proactively determine the most suitable node before committing to connection procedures, thereby reducing energy consumption from unnecessary message exchanges and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential condition indications needed for the wireless device to make an informed connection decision, rather than requiring the device to process complete RAR messages from all neighboring nodes. This reduction in information volume directly lowers the energy consumption associated with message reception, parsing, and evaluation.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple network nodes respond to an access request, then network coverage is improved, but interference increases due to unnecessary RAR messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having network nodes transmit condition indications (radio channel quality, load, capabilities) in their RAR messages, enabling the wireless device to identify and select the most suitable node in advance. This proactive selection mechanism reduces the number of subsequent uplink messages from the device, thereby minimizing uplink interference in the network while preserving the benefit of multiple nodes responding for coverage.
4Loss of information
If the wireless device receives multiple RAR messages, then it has more information for selection, but it becomes difficult to determine which node to connect to
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by structuring the RAR messages to include standardized condition indications (radio channel quality, load, capabilities) from multiple network nodes. This standardized format allows the wireless device to systematically compare nodes based on relevant criteria and proactively determine the most suitable connection target before initiating further procedures, thereby reducing decision complexity despite having access to information from multiple nodes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method performed by a first network node (111) for handling a request for access from a wireless device (130). The wireless device (130) and the first network node (111) operate in a wireless communications network (100). The first network node (111) receives (401) a first message from the wireless device (130) comprising a request for access. The first network node (111) determines (402) a delay for sending a second message to the wireless device (130) in response to the received first message. The first network node (111) then sends (403) the second message to the wireless device (130) using said determined delay, the second message comprising a response to the request for access.