UE Capability Signaling for Inter-RAT Idle Measurement Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing LTE and NR networks lack clear UE capability indications for performing idle/inactive mode measurements across different radio access technologies and frequency ranges, leading to potential state mismatches and failures when configuring inter-RAT dual connectivity and carrier aggregation.

Innovation Solution

Introduce new UE capability information to indicate whether a UE supports performing NR measurements in LTE IDLE/Suspended/INACTIVE mode, LTE measurements in NR IDLE/INACTIVE mode, and inter-RAT measurements across different frequency ranges, allowing the network to accurately configure idle/inactive mode measurements based on the UE's capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the network configures idle/inactive mode measurements without clear UE capability indications, then the network can proceed with dual connectivity and carrier aggregation setup, but state mismatches and failures occur due to incorrect capability assumptions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSpeed of dual connectivity and carrier aggregation setupVSAvoidReliability of measurement configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing UE capability indication mechanisms that inform the network about the UE's measurement capabilities before the network configures idle/inactive mode measurements. This allows the network to make informed decisions about measurement configuration based on actual UE capabilities, preventing state mismatches and failures while enabling efficient dual connectivity and carrier aggregation setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If the network assumes UE supports inter-RAT measurements without explicit capability indication, then configuration can proceed quickly, but ambiguities and potential failures arise from incorrect assumptions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTime for measurement configurationVSAvoidLoss of UE capability information

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing a capability indication mechanism where the UE provides information about its measurement capabilities to the network. This feedback loop ensures the network has accurate information about UE support for inter-RAT measurements in idle/inactive modes, eliminating ambiguities and preventing configuration failures while maintaining efficient setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the network configures measurements for all potential SCells without capability verification, then SCell configuration can be comprehensive, but the UE may fail to perform measurements it does not support

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVersatility of SCell configurationVSAvoidReliability of measurement execution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling the network to differentiate between various UE measurement capabilities (e.g., NR measurements in LTE idle mode, LTE measurements in NR idle mode, inter-RAT measurements in different frequency ranges) and configure measurements appropriately for each capability. This allows comprehensive SCell configuration tailored to the specific UE's supported measurement types, ensuring both versatility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3963954B1Providing measurement capabilities to a network node

Publication Date: 2025.11.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

UE capability information for both LTE and NR is provided so that the network will be able to determine: 1) whether the UE supports performing NR measurements while in LTE IDLE, IDLE with suspended or INACTIVE mode; 2) whether the UE supports performing LTE measurements while in NR IDLE or INACTIVE mode; and/or 3) whether the UE supports performing inter-RAT measurements in a different frequency range, when the UE is camping in one frequency range.