Radio Access Technology Preference Indication in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks, particularly in the 5G context, often prioritize network-centric RAT selection over device-specific preferences, leading to suboptimal energy consumption and operational efficiency, especially when devices have varying capabilities and needs across different Radio Access Technologies (RATs).
Innovation Solution
A mechanism for wireless communication devices to perform signal quality measurements and determine their RAT preferences based on operational attributes, then indicate these preferences to the network, allowing the network to make more informed RAT selection decisions that align with the device's energy efficiency and capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the network autonomously selects RAT based on network-centric criteria, then network resource allocation is simplified, but device-specific energy consumption optimization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides feedback to the network about its RAT preferences based on measured signal qualities and operational attributes. The network uses this feedback to adjust RAT selection decisions, creating a closed-loop system that balances network control with device-specific optimization needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary measurements of signal quality for multiple RATs and determines its preferences before the network makes the final selection. This preliminary action by the device enables the network to make more informed decisions that account for device-specific energy consumption characteristics.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the device indicates RAT preferences to the network, then device energy efficiency is improved, but network selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters provided to the network from simple signal quality measurements to include device-specific operational attributes and preferences. This allows the network to use these enriched parameters for more accurate RAT selection without requiring complex new selection algorithms.
3Productivity
If the network considers device RAT preferences, then operational efficiency is improved, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and reports only the most relevant operational attributes and preferences to the network, rather than transmitting all possible measurement data. This selective extraction reduces the information processing load on the network while still enabling operational efficiency improvements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses exemplified in this disclosure provide mechanisms for a wireless communication device to indicate its Radio Access Technology (RAT) preferences to a wireless communication network, and for a wireless communication network to consider the RAT preferences of a given device when deciding which RAT the device will use. As a non-limiting example of the advantages flowing from these mechanisms, devices operating within a network that includes or is associated with multiple RATs can indicate their preferences for which RAT they use, while still allowing the network to retain control of the RAT selection decisions. Such flexibility offers significant advantages in 5G networks that provide tight integration between multiple RATS—e.g., between LTE and NR air interfaces. However, the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein are not limited to 5G networks.