User Equipment Initial Network Access via Load-Aware Base Station Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The initial network access procedure in wireless mobile networks faces delays and failures due to difficulties in identifying suitable base stations with available resources, INAM collisions, and post-latching service quality issues, primarily because existing methods do not consider network conditions like capacity and load when selecting base stations.
Innovation Solution
A method and user equipment that synchronize with multiple base stations to prepare a fast network access index list, multicast an initial network access message based on this list, and receive current load information from base stations to determine suitable ones for faster and more reliable access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the UE selects a base station based on comparative Signal Power-Level (SPL), then the UE can quickly identify potential target base stations, but the selected base station may not have capacity to provide service due to resource availability or existing load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having base stations broadcast their current load information to UEs. The UE uses this feedback to make informed decisions about which base station to latch onto, selecting from multiple candidates based on both signal strength and current load conditions, thereby avoiding overloaded stations while maintaining fast access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having base stations proactively broadcast their current load information before the UE attempts to latch. This allows the UE to pre-assess the suitability of multiple base stations and make an informed selection, preventing failed latching attempts and reducing overall access delay.
2Loss of information
If the UE waits for cell-broadcast information before sending INAM, then the UE can access network access related information, but the latching process experiences delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by having base stations continuously broadcast cell-broadcast information including current load status at regular intervals. This eliminates the need for the UE to wait for a specific broadcast cycle, as information is always available, thereby maintaining continuous access to network conditions without interruption or delay.
3Productivity
If the UE sends INAM requests with the same sequence number to multiple base stations simultaneously, then the access procedure can be faster, but INAM collisions occur leading to successful processing of only the first request
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each INAM request unique with a distinct sequence number, even when sent to multiple base stations simultaneously. This local differentiation prevents collisions at each base station, ensuring that each request can be independently processed without interference from other concurrent requests.
4Reliability
If the UE attempts to latch to a single base station sequentially, then the UE can establish connection if resources are available, but multiple unsuccessful attempts lead to cumulative delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple base station evaluation processes into a single parallel operation. The UE simultaneously assesses multiple base stations based on signal strength and current load information, then selects the best candidate in one step, rather than sequentially attempting to latch to each base station one by one, thereby eliminating cumulative wait time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for performing an initial network access procedure by a user equipment (UE) to access a network in a coverage area. The method includes performing, by the UE, initialization procedure of the UE. Synchronization, is performed by the UE with one or more base stations to prepare a fast network access index (FNAI) list. An initial network access message (INAM) is multicasted to at least one base station based on an INAM multicast list prepared in response to the FNAI list. At least one initial network access response (INAR) is received from the at least one base station in response to the INAM, each INAR comprising a current load information of a base station. The INAR is processed to determine at least one suitable base station. Synchronization with the suitable base station is performed to access the network in the coverage area.