Network Access Control via Supplementary Uplink Carrier Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

5G NR networks face challenges in uplink coverage and load control due to excessive load on uplink carriers, leading to failed traffic requests and degraded user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling network access that utilizes supplementary uplink (SUL) and non-SUL carriers, determining the target carrier based on RSRP, historical scheduling, and carrier indication, and applying specific AC configuration information to manage access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If AC barring mechanism is used to control UE access to the network, then uplink carrier load is controlled, but uplink coverage capability is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink carrier loadVSAvoiduplink coverage capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The uplink access control is segmented into two independent carriers: SUL carrier and non-SUL carrier. Each carrier has its own AC configuration information and access control mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to control load on each carrier independently while providing multiple access paths for UEs, thereby maintaining uplink coverage capability while managing carrier load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different AC configuration information is applied to different carriers (SUL carrier and non-SUL carrier) based on their specific characteristics and load conditions. The base station determines target AC configuration information for each carrier separately, allowing localized optimization of access control parameters for each uplink carrier to balance load and coverage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple uplink carriers are used to improve coverage, then uplink coverage capability is improved, but access control complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink coverage capabilityVSAvoidaccess control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station uses a unified access control framework that can manage multiple uplink carriers (SUL and non-SUL) through a common set of procedures and configuration mechanisms. The UE follows a standardized decision process to select the appropriate carrier and apply the corresponding AC configuration, simplifying the complexity of managing multiple carriers through a universal access control approach.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If AC configuration information is applied separately to SUL and non-SUL carriers, then load control precision is improved, but system complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload control precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes access control parameters (AC configuration information) independently for each carrier based on their specific load conditions and characteristics. The base station determines target AC configuration information for the SUL carrier and non-SUL carrier separately, allowing precise load control for each carrier while maintaining a structured approach to parameter management that does not excessively increase system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3783959B1Method and apparatus for controlling network access
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3783959B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3783959B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3783959B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for controlling network access. According to the method, a target type carrier carrying traffic to be transmitted is determined when a traffic request is to be initiated, where the target type carrier includes a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier, or a non-SUL carrier, Target AC configuration information applicable to the target type carrier is determined according to access control AC configuration information issued by a base station. It is determined whether the user equipment is allowed to perform an AC process through the target uplink carrier by matching the target AC configuration information against access detection information of the user equipment. The method for controlling network access provided by the present disclosure can improve the uplink coverage capability of a 5G NR system and realize the load control of the SUL carrier.