User Device Core Network Type Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in allowing user devices to seamlessly choose between different types of core networks, such as EPC and 5GC, when connected to base stations that support multiple core network types, leading to potential sub-optimal network selection.
Innovation Solution
User devices receive system information from base stations to determine available core network types and choose the optimal type, enabling them to perform connection establishment procedures such as registration or tracking area updates with the selected core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the base station connects to multiple core network types (EPC and 5GC), then the network coverage and service capability are improved, but the user device cannot optimally select the appropriate core network type
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism where the base station broadcasts system information indicating its connectivity to different core network types, and the user device uses this information as a basis for selection. This intermediary information flow resolves the contradiction by enabling informed selection without requiring complex device-side decision algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station performs preliminary action by broadcasting system information about its core network connectivity status before the user device needs to make a selection. This advance information provision allows the user device to make optimal selection decisions without real-time complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the protocol specification allows user equipment to choose EPC when base station is connected to both EPC and 5GC, then backward compatibility is maintained, but optimal network selection (choosing 5GC) is not resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol is made dynamic by introducing conditional selection logic: user devices first check system information for 5GC availability, and only select EPC when 5GC is not available. This dynamic approach maintains backward compatibility while enabling optimal 5GC selection when possible, resolving the contradiction between stability and productivity.
3Ease of operation
If user devices automatically default to EPC when connected to base stations supporting both EPC and 5GC, then connection establishment is simplified, but network performance is sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having user devices query system information from the base station to determine core network availability before making selection decisions. This feedback loop enables devices to maintain simple automatic selection behavior while achieving optimal network performance through informed decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a user device that supports an air interface for connecting to core networks (CNs) of different types includes receiving system information from a first base station or a second base station (1102), determining, based on the received system information, at least two CN types of respective CNs to which the first base station is connected (1104), choosing a CN type from among the at least two CN types (1106), and performing a mobility management procedure with a CN of the chosen CN type via the first base station (1108).