Sliced-Network Cell Reselection With Network-Controlled Slice Priorities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently handling cell reselection in sliced networks, particularly in prioritizing preferred slices during RRC_IDLE/INACTIVE states and maintaining network control over dedicated priority configurations.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for cell reselection in wireless communication systems that prioritize preferred slices and allow the network to maintain control over dedicated priority configurations, enhancing UE decision-making in RRC_IDLE/INACTIVE states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the UE autonomously determines frequency priority and cell ranking for cell reselection, then the UE can independently optimize its cell selection, but the network loses control over dedicated priority configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE autonomous cell reselection capabilityVSAvoidNetwork control over priority configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic priority configuration where the network can update dedicated priorities for specific frequencies or cells through RRC reconfiguration messages. The UE transitions between using default priorities and dedicated priorities based on network instructions, allowing flexible control adaptation. This resolves the contradiction by making the priority determination mechanism dynamic rather than static, enabling both UE autonomy and network control at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where the network monitors UE cell reselection behavior and sends dedicated priority configurations through RRC signaling when needed. The UE reports measurement results and the network responds with optimized priority settings, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism allows the network to maintain control while enabling UE autonomous operation under normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the network provides dedicated priority configurations to the UE, then the network can optimize network performance, but the UE cannot prioritize its preferred slices autonomously

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNetwork performance optimizationVSAvoidUE autonomous slice prioritization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the priority configuration into two distinct layers: default priorities that the UE can use autonomously for slice prioritization, and dedicated priorities that the network provides for specific frequencies or cells. The UE can switch between these layers based on network instructions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing both autonomous slice prioritization and network-optimized dedicated priorities to coexist without conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different priority configurations to different frequencies and cells based on local network conditions and slice requirements. The network can provide dedicated priorities for specific frequencies where network optimization is needed, while allowing default priorities to govern general slice prioritization behavior. This local differentiation enables both network control and UE autonomy in appropriate contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the UE uses default priorities for cell reselection, then the UE can prioritize preferred slices, but the network cannot enforce dedicated priority configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE slice prioritization flexibilityVSAvoidNetwork control authority
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-configures the UE with default priorities that enable autonomous slice prioritization before the UE needs to perform cell reselection. These default priorities are established during initial network attachment or RRC connection setup. When the network later provides dedicated priorities through RRC reconfiguration, the UE switches to using those configurations. This preliminary setup ensures the UE can immediately prioritize slices while the network retains authority to override with dedicated configurations when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4205447B1Method and apparatus for cell reselection in sliced network in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4205447B1 patent drawingFigure 1
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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to cell reselection in sliced network in wireless communications. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a wireless device in a wireless communication system comprises: receiving dedicated reselection information for a cell reselection and information for a timer related to the dedicated reselection information; starting the timer upon receiving the information for the timer; and upon an expiry of the timer, based on that the dedicated reselection information comprises slice-related information: establishing a connection with a network; and transmitting, to the network, slice information preferred by the wireless device.