RAN Affiliation List Propagation for Dynamic Spectrum Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cellular radio spectrum licensing involves cumbersome processes with long-duration licenses and static configuration of wireless communication devices, making it difficult to timely and securely inform devices of changed radio access network (RAN) associations due to frequent changes resulting from micro-auctions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that propagates radio access network (RAN) affiliation lists to cell sites, which are then broadcast to mobile devices, allowing devices to dynamically update their RAN affiliations and frequency usage based on locally relevant information, and using micro-auctions to sub-divide radio spectrum licenses into shorter-term, smaller-area allocations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional long-duration licenses with static device configuration are used, then device configuration stability is improved, but the ability to timely update RAN affiliations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice configuration stabilityVSAvoidtime to update RAN affiliations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic RAN affiliation list updates by allowing cell sites to receive and broadcast updated affiliation lists containing current RAN association information. Mobile devices periodically acquire these lists from cell sites, enabling them to dynamically adjust their configurations without requiring manual reconfiguration or long license periods. This dynamic update mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining configuration stability through structured updates while reducing the time lag in reflecting RAN changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Mobile devices autonomously monitor for and acquire updated RAN affiliation lists from cell sites without requiring manual intervention or centralized reconfiguration commands. The devices self-update their local configurations by periodically requesting and applying new affiliation lists, enabling timely adaptation to RAN changes while maintaining operational stability through automated, structured updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If complete RAN affiliation information is sent to all devices, then information completeness is improved, but the volume of information transmitted deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRAN affiliation information completenessVSAvoidinformation volume transmitted
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by allowing mobile devices to selectively acquire RAN affiliation information based on their specific needs and current location. Instead of universally distributing complete RAN affiliation lists to all devices, the system enables devices to request and receive only the locally relevant portions of affiliation lists from cell sites. This reduces overall information transmission volume while ensuring each device receives the complete information necessary for its operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The RAN affiliation lists are segmented into location-specific or provider-specific portions that can be independently distributed. Cell sites broadcast segmented affiliation information corresponding to their coverage areas, and mobile devices acquire only the segments relevant to their current location and service provider. This segmentation reduces the total information volume transmitted across the network while maintaining information completeness for each device's specific operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent RAN affiliation updates are implemented, then adaptability to network changes is improved, but the complexity of the update system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to network changesVSAvoidupdate system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cell sites as intermediaries that manage and facilitate RAN affiliation list distribution. Instead of implementing complex update mechanisms directly in mobile devices or through centralized direct-to-device communication, cell sites serve as mediators that receive, store, and broadcast affiliation lists to devices in their coverage areas. This intermediary approach enables frequent updates and high adaptability to network changes while keeping device complexity low, as devices simply need to periodically request and apply lists from their serving cell site without implementing sophisticated update logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11202194B1Radio access network (RAN) affiliation list propagation
Publication Date: 2021.12.14 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US11202194B1 patent drawing
  • US11202194B1 patent drawing
  • US11202194B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of propagating a radio access network (RAN) affiliation list to mobile communication devices, where the RAN affiliation list informs the mobile communication devices what cell site they are to attach to and what radio frequencies they are to use. The method comprises receiving a RAN affiliation list by a cell site, where the RAN affiliation list has a RAN affiliation list identity and comprises information about cell site affiliation for mobile communication devices that is applicable to an operating area including the cell site, transmitting the RAN affiliation list identity by the cell site on a broadcast channel, receiving by the cell site a request to download the RAN affiliation list, transmitting the RAN affiliation list by the cell site, receiving a wireless communication service request by the cell site, authorizing the wireless communication service request by the cell site based on the RAN affiliation list.