Dynamic User Equipment Identifier Bit Length Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed-length user equipment (UE) identifiers in radio access networks (RAN) lead to inefficiencies, such as unnecessary overhead and limited forward compatibility, as they do not adapt to varying usage scenarios or network conditions, particularly in 5G systems where different traffic types and network slices require different identifier lengths.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring the bit length of UE identifiers dynamically based on usage scenarios and network conditions, allowing the UE and network to adjust identifier lengths according to active or inactive states, and specific network slices, using identifier parameter information transmitted via random access procedures or higher-layer signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed-length UE identifiers are used in RAN, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but overhead increases and forward compatibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed-length UE identifiers to variable-length UE identifiers. The network can dynamically configure the bit length of UE IDs based on the number of active UEs and network conditions. This allows the system to adapt the identifier length to actual needs, reducing overhead when fewer UEs are active while maintaining simplicity through standardized configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of UE identifier bit length from a fixed value to a configurable variable. The network can adjust the UE ID length parameter based on network conditions, number of active UEs, and traffic types. This parameter change enables optimization of overhead while maintaining implementation feasibility through defined configuration mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed-length UE identifiers are used, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to different usage scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains stability through standardized configuration procedures while gaining adaptability through dynamic UE ID length adjustment. The network can configure different UE ID lengths for different usage scenarios (e.g., massive machine-type communications vs. traditional mobile broadband) without changing the fundamental system architecture or protocol stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the UE identifier system universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions and scenarios with a single configurable mechanism. The same UE ID configuration framework supports both traditional mobile broadband and massive machine-type communications, as well as different network slices, by adjusting the identifier length parameter rather than requiring separate systems.
3Quantity of substance
If longer UE identifiers are used to accommodate more UEs, then identification capability improves, but overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the UE ID length dynamic rather than static. The network configures the appropriate UE ID length based on the current number of active UEs and anticipated growth. This allows the system to use shorter identifiers when fewer UEs are active (reducing overhead) while supporting longer identifiers when needed to accommodate more UEs, optimizing the trade-off between identification capability and overhead.
4Adaptability or versatility
If variable-length UE identifiers are implemented, then forward compatibility and overhead optimization improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces implementation complexity through preliminary action by establishing standardized UE ID configuration procedures and parameter definitions before deployment. The network provides UE ID length configuration information to UEs in advance through defined signaling mechanisms, allowing UEs to prepare their identifier handling logic beforehand. This preliminary configuration approach simplifies the variable-length implementation compared to ad-hoc solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for configuring a bit length of a user equipment identifier (UE ID) used for communications in Layer 1 or Layer 2, or both, between a UE and a network. Multiple mechanisms are provided for the network to provide identifier parameter information (for example bit length and/or an identifier value or a range of values) to the UE to allow the UE to select a particular UE ID based on the identifier parameter information.