UE E-UTRAN Reactivation via Network Capability Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining voice and data services when temporary network problems cause user equipment (UE) to disable Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) access, leading to a lack of availability for enhanced features like IMS, CSFB, and SRVCC, and inability to automatically reactivate E-UTRAN for data services when network issues resolve.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable a voice-centric user equipment to send update messages to the core network, receive status reports on enhanced network capabilities, and determine whether to enable non-legacy access networks, specifically allowing reactivation of E-UTRAN based on service type and network capabilities, using new information elements like the Network Capability Information Element Identifier (NC IEI) in LOCATION UPDATING ACCEPT messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UE disables E-UTRAN access due to temporary network problems, then voice service reliability is improved, but data service availability and access to enhanced features deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access network selection by enabling UE to switch between legacy and non-legacy access networks based on real-time network capability status. The system dynamically adjusts access preferences using network capability information elements, allowing seamless transition from disabled E-UTRAN access to reactivated E-UTRAN access when network problems are resolved, thereby maintaining both voice service reliability and data service availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the network provides capability status information to the UE through location updating accept messages and other signaling. The UE uses this feedback to determine whether to enable non-legacy access networks, creating a closed-loop system that adapts access network selection based on current network conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
2Duration of action of stationary object
If UE remains on legacy access network, then service continuity is improved, but service performance and access to enhanced features deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts access network selection based on real-time network capability status. When E-UTRAN becomes available again, the UE automatically switches from legacy access to non-legacy access, maintaining service continuity while upgrading to higher-performance networks. This dynamic switching mechanism ensures both continuous service and optimal performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring of network capability status through location updating procedures. The UE proactively checks for network availability before attempting to switch access networks, ensuring seamless transition without service interruption. This preliminary detection mechanism maintains service continuity while enabling performance optimization
3Adaptability or versatility
If automatic reactivation of E-UTRAN is enabled, then data service availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the UE autonomously monitors network capability status and automatically determines whether to enable non-legacy access networks based on received capability information. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external management systems while enabling automatic reactivation of E-UTRAN access, thus improving data service availability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from network capability information elements to automatically control E-UTRAN reactivation. The UE receives capability status through standardized signaling messages and automatically adjusts access network selection accordingly. This feedback-driven automation simplifies the overall system architecture compared to manual or externally-controlled mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods, and computer programs are disclosed that include sending an update message to a core network by a voice centric user equipment coupled to a legacy access network supporting circuit switched voice service, receiving an updating accept message containing a status report of possible enhanced network capabilities of a non-legacy access network, and, in response to receiving the status report of possible enhanced network capabilities, determining whether to enable the non-legacy access network.