Multi-RAT RedCap UE Connectivity in 5G NSA Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

RedCap UEs, lacking LTE wireless communication capabilities, face challenges in detecting and connecting to gNBs in NSA architectures where system control messages are not broadcasted by 5G RANs, limiting their connectivity options.

Innovation Solution

The Advanced RedCap (ARC) UE is equipped with both 5G and LTE radio hardware and a radio controller to facilitate connectivity across multiple RATs and deployment architectures, including SA and NSA, by detecting system messages and requesting connections with appropriate bandwidth limitations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If RedCap UEs lack LTE wireless communication capabilities to reduce device complexity and cost, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but connectivity to gNBs in NSA architectures is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidconnectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The RedCap UE is designed with multi-RAT capability to universally communicate across different wireless communication standards (NR and LTE). The device can selectively operate on NR frequencies when SA architecture is detected, or fall back to LTE frequencies when NSA architecture is detected, ensuring broad adaptability without requiring dedicated hardware for each RAT

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If RedCap UEs lack LTE wireless communication capabilities to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but connectivity options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidconnectivity options
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The RedCap UE implements dynamic RAT selection based on detected network architecture. The device dynamically switches between NR-only operation (saving power) and LTE fallback operation (ensuring connectivity) by detecting whether the network is using SA or NSA architecture, thus adapting power consumption to actual connectivity needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If 5G RANs do not broadcast system control messages in NSA architectures to simplify network operation, then network operation is simplified, but RedCap UEs cannot detect gNBs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork operationVSAvoiddetection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses LTE system control messages as an intermediary to enable RedCap UE detection of gNBs in NSA architectures. When the UE detects it is in an NSA environment (where 5G RANs don't broadcast system messages), it uses the LTE RAN's broadcast messages as a mediator to identify and connect to the appropriate gNB, thus solving the detection problem without requiring 5G RANs to change their operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If RedCap UEs request connections with limited bandwidth capabilities to match device specifications, then resource allocation is optimized, but connection performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidconnection performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The RedCap UE dynamically adjusts connection parameters based on the detected network architecture. When SA architecture is detected, the UE requests NR connections with RedCap-specific bandwidth limitations. When NSA architecture is detected, the UE falls back to LTE connections with appropriate parameter adjustments, thus optimizing resource allocation while maintaining acceptable connection performance for the device's capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250344274A1Systems and methods for advanced redcap user equipment in a wireless network
Publication Date: 2025.11.06 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC
  • US20250344274A1 patent drawing
  • US20250344274A1 patent drawing
  • US20250344274A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device may include a first set of wireless communication hardware that implements a first radio access technology (“RAT”), such as a Fifth Generation (“5G”) RAT, and a second set of wireless communication hardware that implements a second RAT, such as a Long-Term Evolution (“LTE”) RAT. The device may detect a wireless broadcast, via the first set of wireless communication hardware, that has been transmitted by a first base station, and may connect, based on a connection request that includes a Reduced Capability (“RedCap”) indication, to the first base station, which may implement radio parameters based on the RedCap indication. The device may detect a second wireless broadcast, via the second set of wireless communication hardware, that has been transmitted by a second base station, and may connect to the second base station. The second base station may implement radio resource parameters for the device based on network-maintained information.