5G NR Unlicensed Band Cell Access Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly 5G New Radio (NR) networks, face challenges in efficiently utilizing unlicensed bands for user equipment (UE) access due to limitations in supporting single carrier capable UEs and managing network load, traffic conditions, and UE positioning.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of apparatuses and methods that allow user equipment (UE) to switch between licensed and unlicensed band cells within a 5G NR network, based on network policies, load conditions, and UE capabilities, using reference signals and configuration messages to ensure optimal radio quality and timing for data transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If unlicensed band cells are deployed to increase network capacity, then network capacity is improved, but supporting single carrier capable UEs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the band types into licensed bands and unlicensed bands, with each band type having dedicated cells. Single carrier capable UEs are directed to licensed band cells where they can operate, while multi-carrier capable UEs can utilize both licensed and unlicensed bands. This segmentation allows the network to maintain capacity through unlicensed bands while ensuring compatibility with single carrier UEs through licensed bands.
2Loss of time
If UEs are switched to unlicensed band cells to reduce latency, then latency is reduced, but managing network load and traffic conditions becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic band selection where the network node continuously monitors traffic conditions, network load, and UE positions. Based on these real-time conditions, the network dynamically switches UEs between licensed and unlicensed band cells. This dynamic approach allows the system to reduce latency by utilizing unlicensed bands when conditions are favorable, while automatically falling back to licensed bands when load management becomes complex or conditions deteriorate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the network node receives information about UE capabilities, current network load, and traffic conditions. Based on this feedback, the network makes informed decisions about band selection and UE switching. The feedback loop ensures that the network can adapt to changing conditions and manage complexity by using licensed bands as a stable baseline while opportunistically utilizing unlicensed bands.
3Measurement precision
If reference signals are transmitted for UE positioning and radio quality confirmation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signal transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits reference signals in advance before actual data transmission occurs. These preliminary reference signals allow UEs to perform positioning and radio quality measurements ahead of time. By conducting these measurements preliminarily, the system ensures accurate positioning and quality confirmation without delaying the actual data transmission, thus minimizing the impact on overall transmission time.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a wireless device to perform methods to implement mechanisms for non-stand-alone unlicensed band cells that support single carrier capable UEs. A UE may camp on a licensed band cell of a RAN and transmit a request to connect. The UE may receive, from the licensed band cell, a connection setup message indicating a switch to an unlicensed band cell of the RAN and receive, from the unlicensed band cell, a reference signal. The UE may transmit to the unlicensed band cell and in response to confirming, based at least in part of the reference signal, radio quality and/or downlink timing of the unlicensed band cell, a connection complete/connection resume message.