UE Capability Information Exchange for Low-Signaling PLMN Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular communication systems face inefficiencies in managing user equipment (UE) capability information, leading to issues like call drops and increased network traffic due to inconsistent and complex management of UE capabilities across different network nodes.
Innovation Solution
A system where user equipment (UE) receives a comprehensive capability information form from the network, which it populates and returns, allowing for efficient and synchronized capability management across a public land mobile network (PLMN), reducing the need for continuous updates and minimizing signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UE capability information is managed independently at each network node, then each node can operate autonomously, but inconsistency and complexity increase across the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized database as an intermediary entity that stores and manages UE capability information. The database acts as a mediator between multiple network nodes and UE, providing consistent capability data to all nodes without requiring them to independently manage and synchronize information. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining autonomous node operation while centralizing capability management to reduce complexity and inconsistency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If UE capability information is frequently updated across the network, then network consistency is maintained, but signaling overhead and network traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the network proactively push UE capability information to relevant nodes when capabilities change, rather than waiting for nodes to request updates. The centralized database stores capability information and automatically notifies subscribed network nodes of changes. This approach maintains network consistency by ensuring all nodes have current capability data while reducing signaling overhead by eliminating the need for continuous polling or frequent update requests.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive UE capability information is stored at all network nodes, then any node can serve any UE, but storage requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capability information storage function into a centralized database, separating it from individual network nodes. Instead of each node storing complete UE capability information, the database consolidates all capability data in one location. Network nodes maintain only references or pointers to the centralized storage. This merging approach maintains node interchangeability and adaptability while dramatically reducing the quantity of information stored at each node, as they only need access to the centralized database rather than maintaining local copies.
4Loss of information
If UE capability information is stored in detailed format, then complete capability data is available, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing UE capability information into hierarchical levels: a comprehensive detailed format stored in the centralized database for complete information availability, and a simplified summary format maintained at network nodes for rapid access. When capability information is needed, nodes first check their local summaries for quick processing, and only access the detailed database storage when additional information is required. This segmentation maintains information completeness in the database while reducing processing time through efficient local summaries.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising means for performing: receiving an indication of a set of at least two different capabilities of the apparatus that are to be made available to a network in which the apparatus is operating; generating capability information of the apparatus in accordance with the received indication; and making the generated capability information available to the network.