User Equipment Software Capability Activation via Configuration Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices, such as mobile phones, are typically sold with fixed communication capabilities that cannot be upgraded to use new network technologies, limiting their ability to access newer communication standards like LTE even if the hardware is capable, unless the device is replaced.
Innovation Solution
A method that enables user equipment to receive and activate additional software components or configuration information via a configuration and control channel, allowing it to switch between different communication capabilities, such as UMTS/HSPA and LTE, by establishing a temporary side or bootstrapping channel for software updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication capabilities are fixed at device sale, then device simplicity and manufacturing ease are maintained, but adaptability to new network technologies is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making communication capabilities changeable rather than fixed. The device can dynamically switch between different communication standards (e.g., UMTS/HSPA and LTE) through software components downloaded via configuration channels, allowing the system to adapt to new network technologies without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configuration channels (side channels or bootstrapping channels) as intermediaries to transfer software components between the network and device. These intermediaries enable the device to acquire new capabilities without direct hardware modifications, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices are replaced to access new network technologies, then communication capabilities are updated, but loss of time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the device with the ability to receive and install software components via configuration channels. This setup is done in advance, allowing the device to quickly adopt new network technologies through remote software updates rather than requiring physical replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software components as copies of network technology protocols. Instead of replacing the entire device, new communication capabilities are copied as software modules that can be downloaded and installed, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with device replacement.
3Reliability
If hardware capabilities are sufficient for new technologies, then device performance is maintained, but inability to activate new capabilities results in wasted potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the software/firmware parameters of the device to enable new communication capabilities. The hardware remains unchanged, but the software components downloaded via configuration channels alter the device's operational parameters, allowing it to utilize existing hardware for new network technologies like LTE.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method for a user equipment includes: receiving, by the user equipment, at least one software component or software module or configuration information via a configuration and/or control channel between the user equipment and a telecommunications network and/or via a first set of communication capabilities of the user equipment, wherein the at least one software component or software module or configuration information is related to a second set of communication capabilities corresponding to enhanced and/or modified communication relative to the first set of communication capabilities, the second set of communication capabilities being related to access-stratum capabilities of the user equipment and/or to non-access-stratum capabilities of the user equipment and/or to other communication services of the user equipment; and activating the second set of communication capabilities.