NR Resource Restriction for Balanced 4G and 5G Network Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication networks face challenges in balancing the utilization of 4G/LTE and 5G/NR resources due to unbalanced usage, leading to network congestion and inefficiency, particularly when 5G/NR resources are underutilized while 4G/LTE networks are crowded.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus for resource restriction that allows 5G capable devices to use specific NR resources while restricting access to 5G/NR networks based on subscription and device capabilities, enhancing network performance and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 5G/NR resources are restricted to only 5G subscribers, then 5G network security and service quality are improved, but network resource utilization deteriorates due to unbalanced usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating resource allocation based on device capabilities and subscription types. Different QoS parameters, resource pools, and scheduling policies are applied to different device groups (5G-only devices, 4G devices with 5G capability, restricted devices), allowing optimized resource utilization while maintaining service quality for each category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource restriction through configurable parameters that can be adjusted in real-time. The network can dynamically modify which 5G resources are available to restricted devices based on network conditions, subscription policies, and device performance, enabling flexible optimization of both security and resource utilization.
2Productivity
If flexible resource restriction is implemented, then network utilization is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple resource set configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network-side intermediaries (base station, network controller) that manage the complexity of multiple resource sets and restrictions. These intermediaries handle the configuration, monitoring, and adjustment of resource allocations, shielding devices from complexity while enabling flexible resource restriction policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal resource restriction framework that can accommodate multiple device types, subscription categories, and network conditions through a single configurable system. The same mechanism handles 5G-only devices, 4G devices with 5G capability, and restricted devices, reducing overall system complexity through consolidation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If 4G/LTE network is used for all devices, then network compatibility is improved, but network performance deteriorates due to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple resource pools: 5G-only resources for 5G-capable devices, shared 4G/5G resources for devices with dual capability, and restricted 5G resources for specific device categories. This segmentation allows 5G resources to be utilized by compatible devices while maintaining 4G compatibility for all devices, improving both performance and compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional layer to resource allocation by introducing capability-based and subscription-based classification dimensions. Instead of a single flat network layer, devices are routed to different resource dimensions based on their capabilities and permissions, enabling simultaneous optimization for both compatibility and performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide a method for resource restriction. The method performed by a first network node comprises obtaining first information for a terminal device which communicates with the first network node using a first radio access technology. The first information may indicate whether there is a restriction on use of a second radio access technology by the terminal device. The method comprises determining whether the terminal device is allowed to use a first resource set which is provided by a second network node for the second radio access technology, according to the first information and whether the first network node has second information to indicate a second resource set for the second radio access technology. The second resource set is different from the first resource set, and not available for the terminal device when there is the restriction on use of the second radio access technology by the terminal device.