UE Usage Type Mapping for 4G to 5G Network Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently managing communication resources in mobile networks, particularly in providing 3GPP access and transitioning between 4G and 5G networks, due to complex network architectures and the need to determine optimal network slice selections.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a UE Usage Type (UUT) mapping system that stores Attribute Value Pairs (AVPs) for various UUTs, allowing for the determination of subscriber profiles and connection configurations based on received subscription information from User Equipment (UE) connecting to both 4G and 5G networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If network architecture complexity increases to support more subscribers and services, then network capacity and service diversity improve, but resource management difficulty and operational complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of mobile subscribersVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a UUT mapping table as an intermediary data structure that bridges UE subscription information and network slice selection. This mapping table stores pre-configured relationships between UE usage types and appropriate network slices, acting as a mediator that simplifies the complex process of matching subscribers to network resources without requiring complex real-time analysis algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of the UUT mapping table with Attribute Value Pairs (AVPs) that define relationships between UE usage types and network slices before actual network operations. This pre-computation and pre-configuration approach eliminates the need for complex runtime decision-making, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high subscriber capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual configuration of network slice selection is used, then selection accuracy improves, but configuration time and operational overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork slice selection accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the network system to automatically determine appropriate network slices for UEs by querying the UUT mapping table based on UE subscription information. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual configuration requirements while maintaining accurate slice selection, as the system autonomously matches UEs to appropriate network slices using pre-configured mapping rules stored in the table.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes Attribute Value Pairs (AVPs) as configurable parameters in the UUT mapping table that can be adjusted to change network slice selection behavior. By modifying these parameters rather than restructuring the entire configuration system, the patent enables flexible and accurate slice selection with minimal configuration time and operational overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If network transitions between 4G and 5G are frequent, then service continuity improves, but failure probability during handoff increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork transition flexibilityVSAvoidhandoff failure rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares the UUT mapping table in advance with all necessary mapping relationships between UE usage types and network slices for both 4G and 5G networks. This pre-prepared mapping information acts as a cushion that ensures seamless transitions between networks, as the appropriate slice information is already available before handoff occurs, eliminating delays and reducing failure probability during network transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12342419B2Connection configuration for fourth generation (4G) and fifth generation (5G) converged deployment
Publication Date: 2025.06.24 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US12342419B2 patent drawing
  • US12342419B2 patent drawing
  • US12342419B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Connection configuration for Fourth Generation (4G) and Fifth Generation (5G) converged deployment may be provided. A User Equipment (UE) Usage Type (UUT) mapping may be stored, wherein the UUT mapping includes an Attribute Value Pair (AVP) for one or more UUTs. A connection to a 5G network from a 4G network may be received from a UE, wherein the connection comprises subscription information that includes a UUT the UE is subscribed to. In response to receiving the UUT, a subscriber profile for the UE in a converged packet core may be determined using the UUT mapping, and the configuration of the connection for the UE may be established based on the determined subscriber profile.