NR-REDCAP Access Control via Frequency-Specific Restrictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reduced capability devices (NR-REDCAP) in New Radio communication networks face challenges in network access regulation due to their limited hardware and configuration characteristics, leading to network overloading and throughput degradations, especially in capacity-limited scenarios, where they may require access restrictions to prevent excessive resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A method for regulating access of NR-REDCAP devices by sending an attachment request to a target cell, receiving system information about hardware and configuration prerequisites, and determining access restrictions based on the device's capabilities and available frequency ranges, allowing or denying access to specific bands and services to prevent network overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NR-REDCAP devices are allowed unrestricted access to the network, then device connectivity and service availability are improved, but network capacity is overwhelmed and resource allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing frequency-specific access restrictions tailored to device capabilities. The network broadcasts per-frequency access restriction indicators that differentiate between frequency bands, allowing NR-REDCAP devices to access only those frequencies where their reduced capability (e.g., single antenna) does not degrade network performance, while restricting access to frequencies requiring higher capabilities (e.g., multi-antenna for MU-MIMO).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of access control from binary (allowed/not allowed) to frequency-specific granular control. By introducing frequency-dependent access restriction indicators in system information blocks, the network dynamically adjusts which frequency bands are accessible to NR-REDCAP devices based on current network conditions and device capability matching.
2Device complexity
If NR-REDCAP devices with reduced antenna configurations are deployed, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but network throughput and resource allocation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality through frequency-specific access control. NR-REDCAP devices with reduced antenna configurations are permitted to access frequency bands where their limitations do not impact network throughput (e.g., bands not utilizing MU-MIMO), while being restricted from bands where full antenna capability is required to maintain optimal network performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of system information blocks that convey frequency-specific access restriction indicators. This intermediary communication channel enables the network to mediate between device capabilities and network requirements, guiding NR-REDCAP devices to appropriate frequency bands without direct device-network negotiation.
3Measurement precision
If access restriction information is broadcast for all frequency bands, then access control precision is improved, but system information overhead and device processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the system information into targeted components. Instead of broadcasting comprehensive access restrictions for all frequency bands to all devices, the network segments the information to provide frequency-specific access restriction indicators only in relevant system information blocks, reducing overall overhead while maintaining precision for devices that need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by providing access restriction information selectively rather than comprehensively for all scenarios. The system broadcasts frequency-specific restrictions only where needed based on network configuration and device type identification, avoiding the excessive overhead of universal detailed restriction broadcasting while maintaining sufficient precision for access control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method to regulate access of a device of reduced capability type, designated as reduced capability device (RCD), having specific hardware and configuration characteristics and adapted to connect, via an operator, to a new radio communication network comprising several tracking areas having cells (TAC1) on different frequency bands (f1,f2). According to the invention, the access regulation is managed by the reduced capability device (RCD) itself after determination of access restrictions on the basis of prerequisites in terms of hardware and configuration characteristics, frequency ranges (f1,f2) present in this tracking area and services requested received from the tracking area cell (TAC1) during an access routine.