Service Group Cell Selection for Cellular Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular network technologies, such as those based on 3GPP standards, lack efficient methods for service-specific cell selection and resource allocation at the application layer, leading to suboptimal distribution of cellular services and inefficient connection management across cells.

Innovation Solution

Implementing service groups in cellular networks that allow user equipment (UE) to connect to multiple cells based on required services, using service group identifiers and supported service information broadcasted by cells, enabling better service-specific cell selection and resource allocation at the application layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If cell selection is based on bearer level granularity, then resource allocation and scheduling are simplified, but service-specific requirements at application layer are ignored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation complexityVSAvoidservice-specific adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service selection process into two independent phases: first selecting a service group based on application layer requirements, then selecting a specific service within that group. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity in resource allocation while achieving service-specific adaptability through the two-stage selection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of selection by adding service group identification between the application layer service requirement and the bearer level resource allocation. This dimensional addition enables service-specific requirements to be considered without complicating the underlying resource allocation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple LTE bearers are used for a single video service, then service quality can be improved, but the system treats the service as a single unit ignoring internal structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidservice management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the video service into multiple independent bearers (control bearer, sound bearer, video bearer) while maintaining a unified service group identification. This allows each bearer to be managed independently for improved reliability while the service group provides unified management to reduce complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple bearers into a single service group identified by a common service group ID. This combining approach allows the system to treat multiple bearers as a unified service unit for management purposes while maintaining their independence for quality optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If service group information is broadcasted by cells, then service-specific cell selection is enabled, but system information complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice-specific cell selectionVSAvoidsystem information complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the service group information broadcast a universal feature that applies to all cells in the network. By implementing this as a standard broadcast mechanism, the system enables service-specific cell selection across the entire network without requiring complex individual cell configurations, thus reducing overall system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3662701B1Cell selection by service group
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3662701B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3662701B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3662701B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Cell selection by a service group is disclosed. A user equipment (UE) determines that a first cellular service of a plurality of cellular services is desired. The UE accesses service group information that correlates a plurality of service groups to a plurality of cells, wherein each service group is associated with one or more cellular services. The UE initiates a first connection with a first cell of the plurality of cells that can provide the first cellular service based at least in part on the service group information.