Radio Access Network Node Idle Mode UE Mobility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling mobility between 3GPP and non-3GPP radio access technologies, such as Wi-Fi, lack standardized mechanisms to ensure performance, often resulting in deteriorated user experience due to vendor-specific implementations that prioritize Wi-Fi access without considering the current service level of the serving 3GPP access.
Innovation Solution
A radio access network node is configured to collect performance data of the serving 3GPP access technology when a UE is in connected mode and use this data to decide whether an idle-mode UE should be switched to a second radio access technology, such as Wi-Fi, based on performance metrics like signal strength and load, ensuring better network utilization and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vendor-specific implementations control mobility to Wi-Fi without standardized mechanisms, then Wi-Fi access is prioritized, but user experience deteriorates due to lack of performance consideration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network node collects performance data from UEs in connected mode and uses this feedback to make informed decisions about idle mode UE mobility. The system continuously monitors performance metrics and adjusts mobility control decisions based on actual network conditions and user experience, resolving the contradiction between prioritizing Wi-Fi access and maintaining reliable user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting and storing performance data from connected mode UEs before making mobility decisions for idle mode UEs. The network node proactively gathers performance information and uses it to pre-determine optimal mobility scenarios, ensuring that when idle UEs request service, the network can immediately make informed decisions about whether to redirect them to Wi-Fi, thus preventing user experience deterioration.
2Measurement precision
If the network collects and stores performance data from connected mode UEs, then idle mode UE mobility decisions can be informed, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the performance data collection mechanism to serve multiple functions: it collects data from connected mode UEs, stores it for future reference, and uses it to control mobility for idle mode UEs. This multi-functional approach justifies the added network complexity by demonstrating that the same infrastructure serves multiple purposes, including performance monitoring, data storage, and real-time mobility decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing performance data collection and storage mechanisms in advance, before mobility control is needed. The network node proactively gathers performance information and stores it, so that when idle mode UEs request service, the data is already available for immediate use in mobility decisions, reducing the need for complex real-time data collection during mobility events.
3Productivity
If the network controls mobility decisions for idle mode UEs based on performance data, then network resource utilization improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting and storing performance data from connected mode UEs in advance, before mobility control is needed for idle mode UEs. This pre-collection of performance information simplifies the mobility control process, as the network only needs to retrieve and apply stored data rather than perform complex real-time analysis, thus improving network resource utilization without proportionally increasing control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where performance data collected from connected mode UEs is used to adjust mobility control decisions for idle mode UEs. This feedback loop enables the network to optimize resource utilization by directing UEs to the most appropriate access technology based on actual performance conditions, while the feedback mechanism itself provides a structured approach to managing control complexity through systematic decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for controlling whether a user equipment attached in idle mode to a first radio access technology should be served by a second radio access technology.