UE Update Component Optimizing Network Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) may experience service interruptions or poor performance due to network switching issues, such as switching from a weaker or congested network to a stronger or less congested one, which can be exacerbated by user-configured settings that limit access to certain networks, leading to sub-optimal selection and increased network congestion.
Innovation Solution
A UE Update Component (UUC) within the network carrier system that detects service issues and updates UE settings in real-time or near-real-time to activate or deactivate network radios and enable/disable services, optimizing network selection and switching to ensure access to the best performing networks, thereby enhancing call quality and reducing congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If user-configured settings limit access to certain networks, then power consumption is reduced and user preferences are satisfied, but network reliability deteriorates and service interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts network access settings based on real-time conditions. The UUC monitors network performance and automatically modifies UE settings to enable access to better networks when service quality degrades, while respecting user preferences during normal operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between power-saving mode and reliability-optimized mode based on actual network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes network access parameters (radio activation, service enablement) based on detected service issues. When the UUC identifies problems like dropped calls or poor performance, it modifies settings to enable access to alternative networks, thereby improving reliability without permanently overriding user preferences. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by making network access flexible rather than fixed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If UEs switch between networks based on signal strength, then service continuity is maintained, but network congestion increases and call quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UUC implements a feedback mechanism that monitors both signal strength and network performance metrics (congestion levels, call quality). Instead of switching networks solely based on signal strength, the system uses feedback to identify when network switching is causing quality degradation and adjusts switching behavior accordingly. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by enabling intelligent switching that maintains continuity while avoiding congestion-induced quality issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary network selection based on predicted performance rather than reactive switching. The UUC analyzes network conditions and proactively guides UEs to select networks that are likely to provide better service quality, preventing congestion-related issues before they occur. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by avoiding reactive switching that exacerbates congestion while maintaining service continuity.
3Ease of operation
If default UE settings restrict network access, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through the UUC, which automatically monitors network conditions and adjusts UE settings without requiring user intervention. The UUC acts as an intelligent agent that manages network access optimization, maintaining simple default settings for ease of operation while automatically resolving performance issues when they arise. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by keeping the system simple for users while providing advanced optimization capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system described herein improves user equipment (“UE”) access to call and data services provided by a network carrier by updating settings on the UE based device data from the UE. The updates may modify the UE hardware configuration, including activating or deactivating different network radios of the UE, enable or disable different call or data services accessed through the different network radios, and/or modify parameters controlling UE network selection and switching (e.g., handoff). In doing so, the system may improve the user experience when accessing wireless services of the network carrier and resolve quality issues whether due to poor signal strength, congested networks, or excessive network switching.