UE Interface Protocol Detection for 5G to 6G Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The migration and evolution of 5G mobile communication systems to 6G networks pose challenges related to mobility, cell selection, and re-selection of RAN nodes due to the introduction of new interfaces and functionalities, such as the transition from P2P interfaces to service-based interfaces, which complicates existing network operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a UE determines the presence of an information element (IE) in messages from RAN nodes to identify the supported interface protocol, prioritizing communication with RAN nodes supporting service-based interfaces (SBI) or combinations of P2P and SBI over P2P interfaces, and uses this information to establish and maintain connections during handovers and cell reselections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system migrates from P2P interfaces to service-based interfaces, then network functionality and service capability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an information element in system information messages that pre-indicates whether a RAN node supports service-based interfaces. This allows UEs to perform preliminary assessment of interface support before attempting connection, avoiding the complexity of trial-and-error connection attempts and reducing operational difficulty during migration periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The information element acts as an intermediary indicator between the RAN node's interface capabilities and the UE's connection decisions. It mediates the complexity by providing a simple binary indication (support/not support) that enables UEs to make informed connection choices without needing to understand the underlying interface complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple interface protocols simultaneously, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interface support indication into a separate information element within system information messages. This segmentation allows the complexity of multi-protocol support to be divided and presented in a structured, easily parseable format, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing interface support information specifically at the RAN node level through system information messages. Each RAN node independently indicates its interface capabilities, allowing UEs to make localized connection decisions without needing to manage global protocol complexity.
3Reliability
If the system prioritizes service-based interface connections, then service quality is improved, but loss of time occurs during connection establishment
Solution Approach 1:
By providing interface support information in advance through system information messages, the patent enables UEs to make informed connection decisions before attempting to establish connections. This preliminary information availability prevents time-wasting trial-and-error connection attempts, thereby reducing connection establishment time while maintaining service quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided in which a message is received at a user equipment (UE) from one or more radio access network (RAN) nodes. The UE determines presence of an information element (IE) in the message. The UE determines an interface protocol supported by each of the one or more RAN nodes based on a value indicated in the IE. The UE establishes communication with a first RAN node of the one or more RAN nodes based on a priority associated with the interface protocol of the first RAN node.