Selective EPS Fallback via RAN Preference Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G standards adopt an 'all or nothing' approach for EPS fallback during voice call establishment, lacking a mechanism to selectively choose between 5G and LTE/4G networks based on user preferences or profiles for IMS voice and other data flows.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a radio node determines the appropriate network for data flows by obtaining a RAN preference indicator from operator-provided subscriber information, allowing for selective EPS fallback for IMS voice and other data types, enabling per-user or per-call basis decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an 'all or nothing' EPS fallback approach is adopted for IMS voice in 5G, then the network can ensure consistent handling of all voice calls, but it cannot support selective fallback based on user profile or preference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different fallback behaviors for different users or different data flows based on user profile information. Instead of a uniform approach, the system configures EPS fallback selectively at the user level, allowing premium users to maintain 5G voice calls while other users fallback to LTE, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of fallback behavior from a fixed binary state to a configurable parameter that can be adjusted per user profile. By introducing user profile-based configuration, the system allows dynamic selection of fallback behavior (always fallback, never fallback, or selective fallback) without increasing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If all voice calls are handed over to EPS during establishment in 5G, then the system maintains compatibility with existing voice services, but it prevents users from staying on 5G network for voice calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic network selection for voice calls based on user profile attributes. The system can dynamically decide whether to perform EPS fallback or maintain 5G connectivity for each user's voice call, allowing the network behavior to adapt to different user requirements while maintaining service reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voice call handling into different categories based on user profiles. By dividing users into different groups (e.g., premium users who stay on 5G, standard users who fallback to LTE), the system can apply different reliability strategies to different segments, resolving the contradiction between overall reliability and individual flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes: obtaining a RAN preference indicator from an operator indicating whether to use the first RAN or a second RAN for a specified data flow type for a particular user device, wherein the RAN preference indicator is based on subscriber information associated with a user of the particular user device; determining whether to transmit the data flow via the first RAN or the second RAN based on the RAN preference indicator; causing the data flow to be transmitted via the first RAN according to a determination that the RAN preference indicator indicates that the specified data flow type should be transmitted via the first RAN; and causing the data flow to be transmitted via the second RAN according to a determination that the RAN preference indicator indicates that the specified data flow type should be transmitted via the second RAN.