Standalone LTE RAN on Unlicensed Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LTE RANs are limited by requiring licensed frequency bands, restricting deployment to only LTE operators and being less cost-efficient for end-users, while also being outcompeted by WiFi in local access markets due to higher costs and limited flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A standalone LTE RAN using unlicensed frequency bands, allowing any party to deploy the network and enabling secure connections between wireless devices and core networks through special PLMN identities, dynamic session establishment, and smart network selection for optimal service provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LTE RAN operates on licensed frequency bands, then network reliability and exclusive operator control are improved, but deployment flexibility and cost-efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency band parameter from licensed to unlicensed, enabling standalone LTE RAN deployment by non-LTE operators while maintaining LTE functionality through adaptation to unlicensed band characteristics andListen-Before-Talk mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the LTE RAN system universal by allowing any party (not just LTE operators) to deploy standalone LTE RAN on unlicensed frequency bands, enabling multiple uses including enterprise private networks, WiFi alternative, and cost-efficient access
2Reliability
If LTE RAN uses licensed frequency bands, then operator control and network security are improved, but deployment cost and user expense deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency licensing model from exclusive licensed bands to shared unlicensed bands, reducing spectrum acquisition costs and enabling cost-efficient deployment while implementing security through IPsec tunnels and authentication mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces security intermediaries including IPsec protocol tunnels, authentication servers, and encryption mechanisms to protect communications over unlicensed bands, ensuring network security without requiring licensed spectrum
3Adaptability or versatility
If HeNB shares between multiple operators via IPsec tunnel, then operator flexibility is improved, but deployment complexity and operator permission requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core LTE RAN functionality from operator-controlled licensed infrastructure and enables independent standalone deployment on unlicensed bands, removing the need for complex operator permission frameworks and IPsec tunneling to HeNB gateways
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring HeNB to connect to operator core networks via complex IPsec tunnels, the patent inverts the approach by enabling direct standalone operation where the LTE RAN itself provides the network access function without mandatory operator infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for enabling an establishment of a connection between a wireless device and a core network via an access node of a standalone LTE RAN using an unlicensed frequency band. The method performed by the access node comprises transmitting a broadcast message in a cell served by the access node. The message indicates that the access node supports connectivity to at least one core network associated with another RAN than the standalone LTE RAN. The method also comprises receiving a request to attach from a wireless device in the cell, for establishing a secure connection for user data between the wireless device and a target core network via the access node. The method further comprises transmitting a request to a target core network node to establish the secure connection.