UE Cell-Barring Exceptions for Emergency Call Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy UEs and some new UEs are barred from accessing cells that support emergency calls due to features like Network Energy Saving (NES), preventing them from initiating emergency calls despite the network's capability to support such services.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow UEs to determine if a barred cell supports emergency information messaging by checking for a barred cell status exception in the System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1), enabling the UE to camp on the cell for limited services including emergency communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cells implement Network Energy Saving (NES) features and bar access, then energy consumption is reduced, but legacy UEs and some new UEs are prevented from initiating emergency calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the cell access status different for different service types. The cell is barred for normal access but provides an exception for emergency services. This is implemented through the cellBarred IE in MIB and the barredCellStatusExceptionIE in SIB1, which together create a localized exception that allows emergency calls while maintaining the barred status for other purposes, thus reducing energy consumption without compromising emergency reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the barredCellStatusExceptionIE in SIB1) that mediates between the barred cell status and emergency call requirements. This intermediary information element acts as a bridge, allowing UEs to determine that while the cell is generally barred, emergency services are permitted. This resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled exception path without changing the overall barred status
2Productivity
If UEs are barred from accessing cells, then network load is reduced, but UEs cannot camp on cells for emergency communications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a differentiated access policy where the cell maintains a barred status for general network load reduction but provides a localized exception for emergency services. The barredCellStatusExceptionIE in SIB1 creates this local quality distinction, allowing the cell to be simultaneously barred and accessible for emergency calls based on the UE's service type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cell access status dynamic rather than static. The cellBarred IE in MIB provides the base barred status, while the barredCellStatusExceptionIE in SIB1 dynamically enables emergency access. This dynamic configuration allows the network to adjust access permissions based on service type without changing the overall cell barring state, balancing network load with emergency service requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to enabling emergency calls and public safety services support. A user equipment (UE) may receive a master information block (MIB) including a cell barred information element (IE). The UE may receive a system information block type 1 (SIB1). The UE may determine whether the MIB indicates that the UE is barred for a cell. In response to the UE being barred for the cell, the UE may determine whether the SIB1 includes a cell barred exception IE that indicates an exception for emergency communication on the barred cell. In response to the SIB1 including the cell barred exception IE, The UE may assign the cell as an acceptable cell for the UE to camp for limited services, including the emergency communication.