Network Node Notification for User Equipment Radio Access Technology Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless telecommunications networks with multiple radio access technologies, user equipment faces challenges in determining when to activate and maintain interfaces for different technologies, leading to increased power consumption and reduced battery life, as well as unnecessary activation of interfaces when coverage is not available.
Innovation Solution
A network node method that transmits a notification message to user equipment via a first radio access technology, informing it of the availability of a second radio access technology for communication, allowing the equipment to activate the necessary transceiver logic and reallocate packet data network connections without keeping all interfaces active, thus conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user equipment maintains multiple radio access technology interfaces active to support different technologies, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic interface management where the transceiver logic for second radio access technology is activated only when needed and deactivated when not required. The network node controls this dynamic state by sending notification messages that trigger activation only when the UE is in a vicinity where the second RAT is available, thereby adapting the system's operational state to current conditions rather than maintaining a static active state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring and notification mechanisms where the network node periodically assesses UE location and second RAT availability, then sends notification messages to trigger selective activation. This periodic control approach allows the interface to be activated in cycles only when conditions warrant it, rather than remaining continuously active, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining availability when needed.
2Reliability
If user equipment keeps all radio access technology interfaces active to determine signal availability, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node acts as an intermediary that performs the location assessment and availability determination on behalf of the user equipment. Instead of the UE continuously monitoring and determining signal availability across multiple interfaces, the network node receives location information from the UE, assesses whether the UE is in a vicinity where second RAT is available, and then sends notification messages to trigger selective activation. This intermediary approach transfers the computational and monitoring burden from the UE to the network, reducing UE power consumption while maintaining reliable availability determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of second RAT availability by the network node before triggering UE interface activation. The network node proactively determines whether the UE is in a vicinity where second RAT is available and sends notification messages in advance to trigger activation only when conditions are favorable, rather than waiting for the UE to continuously check and determine availability itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user equipment activates transceiver logic for second radio access technology, then adaptability is improved, but unnecessary activation occurs when coverage is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the network node receives location information from the user equipment, assesses whether the UE is in a vicinity where second RAT is available, and uses this feedback to determine whether to send notification messages triggering activation. This closed-loop feedback ensures that activation decisions are based on actual coverage availability information, preventing unnecessary activation when the second RAT is not available and ensuring activation only when conditions warrant it.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network node method, a network node, a user equipment method, user equipment and computer program products are disclosed. The network node method comprises transmitting, using a first radio access technology communication link with user equipment, a notification message notifying the user equipment that a second radio access technology communication link is available in a vicinity of the user equipment for communication of user data between the user equipment and a network node supporting the second radio access technology communication link. In this way, the user equipment can be made aware that other radio access technologies are available without needing to activate the interfaces associated with those other radio access technologies. Instead, the interfaces for those other radio access technologies may remain inactive in order to reduce power consumption and conserve battery life. The user equipment is notified using the radio access technology which it is currently using that other radio access technologies may be used.