Service-Specific Air-Interface Selection via Unified Core Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in service-specific air-interface selection and handover processes, particularly when multiple air-interface technologies are used simultaneously, leading to suboptimal service performance due to the need for separate core network connections and lack of dynamic air-interface adaptation based on service characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A user equipment (UE) is enabled to simultaneously establish data sessions on multiple air-interface technologies using the same Mobility Management Entities (MME) and Serving Gateway (S-GW) of an existing core network, allowing for independent radio bearer management and dynamic air-interface selection based on service characteristics, and performing inter-air interface handovers based on measurement reports and radio link failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air-interface technologies are used simultaneously with separate core network connections, then service-specific air-interface selection capability is improved, but device complexity and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single core network connection to support multiple air-interface technologies (LTE, Wi-Fi, mmW) simultaneously. The UE establishes one PDN connection through the MME that can route traffic across different radio access technologies, eliminating the need for separate core network connections for each air interface while maintaining service-specific selection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple air-interface connections into a single core network connection. By combining LTE, Wi-Fi, and mmW interfaces under one PDN connection managed by a single MME, the system reduces network complexity while preserving the ability to dynamically select appropriate air interfaces for different services through bearer-level management
2Reliability
If separate core network connections are established for each air-interface technology, then air-interface independence is improved, but loss of time in handover processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing measurement configurations and maintaining context information for multiple air interfaces before handover is needed. The UE continuously monitors and reports measurements for LTE, Wi-Fi, and mmW interfaces, so when handover is required, the target air interface is already characterized and ready, significantly reducing handover latency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the MME as an intermediary that manages multiple air interfaces through a single PDN connection. The MME maintains context information for all connected air interfaces and can rapidly switch bearers between them without requiring full connection re-establishment, enabling fast inter-air-interface handovers while maintaining independence
3Productivity
If dynamic air-interface selection is implemented, then service performance is improved, but measurement and coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing measurement and management functions into air-interface-specific components. Each air interface (LTE, Wi-Fi, mmW) has its own measurement configuration and reporting mechanism, while the MME provides centralized coordination. This segmentation allows independent optimization of measurements for each interface while maintaining overall service performance through unified bearer management
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are described for wireless communication at a UE. A first radio configuration is received. The first radio configuration for a first service on a first air interface to a first base station. A second radio interface is received. The second radio configuration for a second service on a second air interface to a second base station. A first measurement report is transmitted to the first base station over the first air interface. The first measurement report includes information related to at least one of the first air interface and the second air interface.