UE Network Sharing Capability Detection via PLMN Inquiry
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless telecommunications, user equipment (UE) capabilities regarding network sharing are not efficiently determined, leading to suboptimal handover processes and potential registration errors in shared networks, as existing technologies lack a method to accurately assess UE support for network sharing before handover, resulting in inefficient resource management and potential loss of subscribers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a non-shared network transmits a message with multiple PLMN identities to the UE, and based on the response, determines if the UE supports network sharing by checking for specific information fields, allowing the network to optimize handover decisions and registration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network does not determine UE capability before handover, then the handover process is simple and fast, but the registration may be incorrect and resource management is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the UE's network sharing capability before the handover process. The source network sends a capability inquiry message to the UE during the handover preparation phase, allowing the target network to be pre-configured with the correct PLMN identity based on the UE's response. This ensures accurate registration while maintaining efficient handover execution.
2Measurement precision
If the network sends capability inquiry messages to all UEs, then capability determination is accurate, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the capability determination process selective rather than universal. The source network determines whether to send a capability inquiry message based on local conditions such as whether the target cell is a shared network and whether the UE is currently registered in a non-shared network. This reduces unnecessary signaling while maintaining accurate capability determination where needed.
3Productivity
If the network optimizes handover based on UE capability, then resource management improves, but the handover process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a standardized capability inquiry message and response mechanism that acts as a mediator between the source network, target network, and UE. This standardized interface simplifies the overall process by providing a clear protocol for capability exchange, making the optimization logic manageable despite the increased functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a capability of a user equipment. The user equipment is served by a non-shared network in a first place. The non-shared network is configured to transmit a message to the user equipment, the message including information on at least two PLMN identities. The user equipment is configured to deliver a response message from which it is determined if the response message includes information field reserved for at least one PLMN identity in the transmitted message. On a basis of an existence of the information field in the response message it can be determined that the user equipment supports network sharing. In other case it is determined that the user equipment is not supporting network sharing. A network node and a system implementing at least part of the method are also described.