System Information Network Type Indication for EPS and 5GS Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current system information in cells serving both EPS and 5GS networks is ambiguous, leading to incorrect interpretations by user equipment (UE) regarding network capabilities and core network selection, especially in shared RAN environments where legacy UEs may connect to inappropriate networks.
Innovation Solution
The system information broadcast by radio access networks (RAN) includes explicit indications of network types (EPS or 5GS) to allow user equipment to unambiguously identify valid network configurations, using existing parameters to bar legacy UEs from connecting to 5GS-only cells while new UEs can ignore these parameters, and introducing new parameters to indicate barring for 5GS UEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If system information is broadcast without explicit network type indications, then the system information structure remains simple and legacy UEs can interpret it, but the system information becomes ambiguous leading to incorrect network configuration alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces new parameters (e.g., networkType indication, barring parameters specific to 5GS) into the existing system information blocks. These parameter additions explicitly indicate the network type (EPS or 5GS) and provide separate barring controls, resolving the ambiguity without fundamentally changing the system information structure. Legacy UEs can ignore the new parameters while 5GS UEs utilize them for correct network selection.
2Reliability
If legacy UEs are allowed to connect to cells supporting both EPS and 5GS, then backward compatibility is maintained, but legacy UEs may connect to inappropriate networks causing incorrect network configuration alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different information elements and barring parameters specifically tailored for different UE types within the same system information broadcast. Legacy UEs receive and process only the EPS-related parameters they understand, while 5GS UEs can differentiate and process both EPS and 5GS specific parameters. This local differentiation ensures each UE type connects to appropriate networks without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary parameters (networkType indications, separate barring parameters) that act as mediators between the network and different UE types. These intermediary elements provide explicit guidance to UEs about which core network type is available and whether connection is permitted, enabling reliable network selection for both legacy and new UEs coexisting in the same cell.
3Loss of information
If separate system information is designed for 5GS UEs, then unambiguous network configuration is achieved, but radio resources are wasted due to scarcity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the existing system information blocks (SIB1, SIB2) to serve multiple functions: they provide configuration for both EPS and 5GS networks simultaneously. By adding networkType indications and conditional parameters to the existing universal system information structure, the same radio resources carry information applicable to both legacy EPS UEs and new 5GS UEs, eliminating the need for separate dedicated system information broadcasts for each UE type.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a method for use in a wireless device of acquiring system information associated with a core network comprises receiving system information from a network node. The network node is connected to one or more core networks. The system information includes an indication of a network type (e.g., enhanced packet system (EPS), fifth generation system (5GS), etc.) for each core network. The method further comprises determining a capability of the wireless device for connecting to the plurality of network types, and determining whether to connect to a core network based on the network type and the capability of the wireless device. In particular embodiments, the indication of the network type comprises a list of public land mobile networks (PLMNs) connected to the network node and an indication of network types supported by each PLMN.