Radio Capability Update via Non-3GPP Access

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by allowing capability updates to be transmitted through non-3GPP access networks (such as WLAN) instead of directly through 3GPP access. This intermediary path reduces signaling overhead and energy consumption while maintaining network reliability, as the update still reaches the core network through available access paths without requiring critical communication activities to be interrupted.

The patent implements a dynamic access selection mechanism where the UE determines whether to use 3GPP or non-3GPP access based on current communication conditions. When non-critical updates are needed, the system dynamically switches to non-3GPP access to minimize delay. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying network conditions and update priorities, reducing communication delay while maintaining sufficient update reliability.

The patent changes the parameter of access type from fixed (always 3GPP) to variable (3GPP or non-3GPP based on conditions). By modifying this parameter dynamically, the system can use non-3GPP access for non-critical updates to reduce signaling overhead, while reserving 3GPP access for critical updates where reliability is paramount. This parameter change enables the system to optimize the balance between signaling overhead and update reliability based on specific update scenarios.

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE determine the criticality of ongoing communication activities before initiating a capability update. By assessing the communication status in advance, the system can identify non-critical updates that can be performed without interrupting user activities. This preliminary assessment allows timely updates to be performed on non-critical items while preserving user experience by avoiding interruptions to critical communications.