Redcap UE Cell Reselection When MIB Access Fails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR communication networks lack a technical solution for handling cell access and reselection for reduced capability UEs (Redcap UEs), particularly in scenarios where they fail to listen to the master information block (MIB) or encounter a cell bar identity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are provided to manage cell access and reselection for Redcap UEs by using system information block (SIB1) parameters to indicate access allowance and cell reselection modes, allowing Redcap UEs to operate even when they cannot read the MIB or detect a cell bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cell barring parameters are provided for Redcap UEs, then access control for reduced capability UEs is improved, but device complexity increases due to lack of standardized handling procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling Redcap UEs to use the same cell reselection procedures as legacy UEs through the `intraFreqReselection` parameter in MIB, rather than creating separate specialized handling procedures. This allows one set of procedures to serve multiple UE types (legacy and Redcap), reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by introducing the `cellBarredRedcap` parameter in SIB1 to specifically control access for Redcap UEs, while maintaining compatibility with existing MIB parameters. This allows differentiated access control through parameter modification rather than procedural complexity, resolving the contradiction between reliable access control and device complexity.
2Reliability
If separate cell access parameters are provided for Redcap UEs, then access control accuracy is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing access control into two independent parameters: `cellBarred` in MIB for legacy UE access control, and `cellBarredRedcap` in SIB1 for Redcap UE access control. This segmentation allows accurate differentiated access control while keeping each parameter simple and independent, avoiding complex intertwined processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses SIB1 as an intermediary information block that carries the `cellBarredRedcap` parameter specifically for Redcap UEs, while MIB continues to serve legacy UEs. This intermediary structure enables accurate access control for different UE types without requiring complex unified processing, as each UE type processes only the relevant parameter from its designated source.
3Ease of operation
If Redcap UEs follow legacy UE reselection procedures, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to Redcap-specific requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the `cellBarredRedcap` parameter in SIB1 specifically applicable only to Redcap UEs, while the `cellBarred` parameter in MIB remains for legacy UEs. This localized parameter assignment allows Redcap UEs to benefit from simplified legacy procedures while maintaining Redcap-specific adaptability through the dedicated parameter, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and specific adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communication includes a radio access network (RAN) providing a first-type user equipment (UE) with a parameter indicating whether access is allowed. Another method for communication includes: in response to a first-type UE failing to listen to a master information block (MIB) or listening to a cell bar identity in the MIB being cell barred, performing by the first-type UE, cell reselection according to a cell reselection mode of a second-type UE or according to a set mode. The methods may be applied to a reduced capability UE (NR-lite or Redcap UE for short).