T-mobile Innovations LLC

T-mobile Usa, Inc.

Sprint Spectrum L.p.

Atul Kulkarni

Anurag Thantharate

Sreekar Marupaduga

Sougata Saha

A method and system for dynamically controlling connectivity of a user equipment device (UE) when the UE has standalone connectivity with a first access node under a first radio access technology (RAT). An example method includes the UE detecting that the UE is within threshold strong coverage of a second access node under a second RAT, and the UE making a selection between (i) responsively handing over from the first access node to the second access node and (ii) having dual-connectivity with the first access node and the second access node. Further, the example method includes the UE informing the first access node of the UE's selection, perhaps together with an inter-RAT measurement report reporting that the UE is within threshold strong coverage of the second access node, and the first access node responsively taking action in accordance with the UE's selection.

UE-controlled selection between inter-RAT handover and inter-RAT dual connectivity

A wireless communication device optimizes network communications for a user application. The wireless communication device generates network characteristics for multiple wireless communication networks based wireless signals received from the multiple wireless communication networks. The wireless communication device transfers the network characteristics for the multiple wireless communication networks to the user application. The wireless communication device receives a selection of one of the wireless communication networks from the user application based on the network characteristics. The wireless communication device communicates over a radio with the selected one of the multiple wireless communication networks responsive to the selection from the user application.

Wireless communication network optimization for user applications in wireless user equipment (UE)

Methods and systems are provided for signal offloading in an mmWave environment (e.g., in the event of high fading). The methods and systems include one or more mmWave nodes that are each configured to wirelessly communicate with a user device in a geographic service area and a Wi-Fi access point configured to wirelessly communicate with the user device. The methods and systems determine that fading or loading of an mmWave signal transmitted by one of the one or more mmWave nodes is above a threshold. In response to the fading or loading being above the threshold, the methods and systems redirect a control signal of the user device through the Wi-Fi access point to the one or more mmWave nodes, such that the user device maintains a dual connection with the Wi-Fi access point via the control signal and the mm Wave node.

MmWave to Wi-Fi control signal offloading in the event of fading in the mmWave system

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for facilitating optimized cell selection for airborne user devices, such as wirelessly connected unmanned aerial vehicles. One or more synchronization signals may be modified to include one or more parameters that would improve airborne cell selection, including radiation center height, vertical beamwidth, horizontal beamwidth and frequency band availability. By optimizing cell selection and therefore reducing unnecessary handovers, the airborne user device will spend less battery power and processing resources, improving overall performance.

Cell selection management for airborne mobile stations

Methods and systems are provided for signal offloading in an mmWave environment (e.g., in the event of high fading). The methods and systems include one or more mmWave nodes that are each configured to wirelessly communicate with a user device in a geographic service area and a Wi-Fi access point configured to wirelessly communicate with the user device. The methods and systems determine that fading or loading of an mmWave signal transmitted by one of the one or more mmWave nodes is above a threshold. In response to the fading or loading being above the threshold, the methods and systems redirect a control signal of the user device through the Wi-Fi access point to the one or more mmWave nodes, such that the user device maintains a dual connection with the Wi-Fi access point via the control signal and the mmWave node.

mmWave to Wi-Fi control signal offloading in the event of fading in the mmWave system

Methods are provided for enabling network operators to play a key role in allowing Cellular Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to recharge batteries based on RF parameters and/or a class of service the UAVs provide to users/customers. For example, a particular mobile network operator (MNO) has a UAV charging station deployed in it leased towers where it has base stations (eNB/gNB) deployed. The MNO can provide charging as a service to the UAVs. When more than one drone is requesting a charge, the MNO can prioritize which UAV has the highest priority. In some aspects, the MNO can prioritize the UAVs for charging based on a Quality of Service identifier. Additionally or alternatively, the MNO can prioritize the UAVs for charging based on a Network Slice Selection Assistance Information indicator.

Network-assisted charging prioritization for cellular unmanned aerial vehicles

Methods, media, and systems are provided for restricting an uplink Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) assignment based on fading, battery data, or location data associated with a user device in an mmWave system. Fading data, location data, or battery data is received from one or more user devices. Based on the received data, a determination is made using the data received (e.g., determining the battery data of the user device is below a threshold or determining the location of the user device). In response, the assignment of the user device to an uplink MIMO layer of available MIMO layers is restricted. The restricted uplink MIMO layer is a higher MIMO layer than another MIMO layer of the available MIMO layers. In response to restricting the assignment, the user device may be assigned to an available MIMO layer that is a lower MIMO layer than the restricted MIMO layer.

Restricting uplink MIMO assignment based on fading in an mmWAVE system

A wireless User Equipment (UE) to optimize network communications for a user application. A UE operating system receives a user permission for the user application to access network characteristics. The user application calls the operating system for the network characteristics, and the operating system obtains the network characteristics from wireless network circuitry in response to the user permission. The operating system transfers the network characteristics to the user application. The user application selects one of multiple wireless communication networks based on the network characteristics. The wireless network circuitry wirelessly exchanges user data for the user application with the selected wireless communication network.

Methods and systems are provided for signal offloading in an mmWave environment in the event of high fading. The methods and systems include one or more mmWave nodes that are each configured to wirelessly communicate with a user device in a geographic service area and a Wi-Fi access point configured to wirelessly communicate with the user device. The methods and systems determine that the user device has detected a fading measurement corresponding to an mmWave transmitted by one of the one or more mmWave nodes is above a threshold. In response to the fading measurement being above the threshold, the methods and systems redirect a control signal of the user device through the Wi-Fi access point to the one or more mmWave nodes. Accordingly, the user device transmit data through the Wi-Fi access point to the one or more mmWave nodes.

Methods and systems are provided for restricting an uplink Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) assignment based on fading in an mmWave system. The methods and systems receive fading data from one or more user devices. Based on the received fading data, the methods and systems determine that a threshold number of the one or more user devices satisfies a threshold level of fading. In response to the threshold number satisfying the threshold level of fading, the methods and systems dynamically restrict the uplink MIMO assignment for at least one user device satisfying the threshold level of fading. In response to dynamically restricting the uplink MIMO assignment, the methods and systems assign the at least one user device to a lower MIMO layer of available MIMO layers.

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Brambleton, VA, United States of America

Atul Kulkarni