UE EPS Optimization Handling via NAS Priority

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Solution Overview

Problem

User equipment (UE) faces challenges in determining network feature support due to mismatches between system information and Non Access Stratum (NAS) messages, leading to inconsistent usage of network features.

Innovation Solution

The UE prioritizes NAS messages over system information to determine network feature support, ensuring proper usage of EPS optimizations by only utilizing features indicated as supported in the NAS messages, even if system information contradicts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the UE determines network feature support based on system information, then the UE can quickly obtain network capability information, but the UE may use unsupported features when NAS messages indicate mismatched support status

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of obtaining network capability informationVSAvoidreliability of network feature support determination
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The UE implements a feedback mechanism by comparing system information with NAS messages to determine actual network feature support. When the NAS message indicates a feature is not supported despite system information suggesting otherwise, the UE adjusts its behavior accordingly, using the NAS message as the authoritative feedback source for feature availability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The network performs preliminary action by including feature support information in NAS messages before the UE attempts to use those features. This advance notification allows the UE to proactively adjust its feature usage capabilities, preventing attempts to use unsupported features and ensuring reliable operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If the UE uses both system information and NAS messages to determine network feature support, then comprehensive information is gathered, but determination becomes impossible when information mismatches occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of network feature informationVSAvoidease of determining network feature support
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the traditional approach by making the NAS message the primary source of truth for feature support rather than system information. When NAS messages and system information conflict, the UE prioritizes NAS message indications, effectively reversing the expected hierarchy of information sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The UE introduces an intermediary comparison mechanism that mediates between system information and NAS messages. This intermediary process evaluates both sources and resolves conflicts by prioritizing NAS message information, enabling the UE to handle mismatched information systematically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3244660B1Handling network feature
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 HTC CORP
  • EP3244660B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3244660B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3244660B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication device of handling a network feature comprises a storage unit for storing instructions and a processing circuit coupled to the storage unit. The processing circuit is configured to execute the instructions stored in the storage unit. The instructions comprise receiving system information indicating whether an Evolved Packet System (EPS) optimization is supported and a first Non Access Stratum (NAS) message indicating whether the EPS optimization is supported; determining to use the EPS optimization, when the system information indicates that the EPS optimization is not supported and the first NAS message indicates that the EPS optimization is supported; and determining not to use the EPS optimization, when the system information indicates that the EPS optimization is supported and the first NAS message indicates that the EPS optimization is not supported.