UE Radio Technology Selection via Coverage Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-Radio Access Technology mobile networks, users are not adequately informed about available high-speed access options, leading to suboptimal service provisioning due to initial selection of radio technology by the network, which may not provide the best coverage for high-speed services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable User Equipment (UE) to identify and indicate available higher-speed radio technologies, such as LTE, by communicating with network entities like RNC and eNodeB, allowing the UE to decide on the optimal technology for service delivery based on coverage availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network directs the subscriber to 3G radio access technology, then network stability and resource management efficiency are improved, but the user is not informed about 4G coverage availability and high-speed service provisioning is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of radio access technology selection and coverage information provision. The network entity (RNC/eNodeB) independently determines service routing decisions while separately providing coverage indication information to the UE, allowing these two functions to operate independently without interfering with each other
Solution Approach 2:
A coverage indication message acts as an intermediary carrier that transmits 4G coverage information from the network entity to the UE without affecting the service routing decision. This intermediary mechanism enables information transfer while maintaining network control over service provisioning
2Loss of time
If the UE is camped on 3G radio access technology, then CS call setup time and resource management efficiency are improved, but the UE cannot be aware of 4G coverage and high-speed services are affected negatively
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity proactively provides 4G coverage indication information to the UE before the UE needs to make service provisioning decisions. This preliminary information provision enables the UE to anticipate 4G availability and prepare for potential service migration to high-speed networks
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by transmitting coverage indication information from the network entity to the UE, creating a communication loop that allows the UE to receive real-time information about 4G coverage availability even while camped on 3G technology
3Reliability
If cell reselection policies favour camping on the newest radio access technology, then service quality is improved, but camping loading and traffic loading are accumulated in the newest Radio Technology
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic service routing where the UE can switch between 3G and 4G technologies based on real-time coverage conditions and service requirements. The coverage indication message provides the flexibility needed for dynamic network selection without rigid policy constraints
4Device complexity
If the initial selected radio technology is not the optimal one for carrying the service, then network resource management is simplified, but service provisioning efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The UE is empowered to make informed service provisioning decisions by receiving coverage indication information from the network. This enables the UE to self-determine the optimal radio technology for service delivery based on available coverage information, reducing the need for complex network-side service routing logic
Data Source
AI summary
A method and mobile device (UE) for enabling services in multi-RAT networks which support at least HSPA and LTE, comprising: identifying an initial radio technology on which a UE requesting service is camped, within a current cell; determining an indication of coverage of another radio technology available on the current cell which provides higher speed access than the initial one; deciding carrying the service, either through the initial radio technology or the other one of higher speed access, according to the previous indication. The indication of coverage can be based on any of the following criteria or a combination of them is met: 1) Terminal is camped on a HSDPA capable or LTE capable cell, 2) HSDPA signal strength is higher than a threshold, 3) LTE signal strength is higher than a threshold, 4) Measurements on the Peak Rate of the UE in a past time and in a location.