Patent Description:
There is provided a method, and a system according to the claims.

Described herein are techniques and systems relating to dynamically changing a <NUM> primary cell (PCell) used by a user equipment (UE) during carrier aggregation (CA). The term "carrier aggregation" refers to using carriers in multiple frequency channels to receive or transmit data simultaneously from a single UE. By aggregating the channels, the total data throughput to or from the UE can be increased. CA can be used for both Time-division duplexing (TDD) and Frequency-division duplexing (FDD). CA can also be used for both licensed and unlicensed spectrum. The term "primary cell" refers to the serving cell for the UE. Other cells that are not used as the PCell may be referred to herein as secondary cells (SCells). The PCell is the cell that the UE exchanges radio resource control (RRC) signaling messages with. The PCell remains in the RRC_CONNECTED mode while one or more SCells may be active.

Using techniques described herein, a UE is not limited to using the initially selected primary cell for CA. Instead of remaining anchored to the initially selected PCell, a different PCell may be dynamically selected based on network conditions of the cellular network and/or other factors. The network conditions and/or other factors may include but are not limited to network congestion, network capacity, uplink speed, location of the UE, an activity of the UE (e.g., is the UE uploading or planning to upload data), and the like. Generally, the PCell used by the UE <NUM> may be changed in an attempt to increase the user experience for the user of the UE.

For example, a UE can be configured to use a first cell as the PCell for CA when the UE is in a first cell condition (e.g., near-cell, mid-cell) and then switch to a different PCell when the UE moves away from the PCell and is closer to the cell edge. According to some examples, network conditions associated with the cellular network (e.g., RF conditions) are monitored and analyzed by the UE, and/or some other node or component within the cellular network (e.g., gNB) to determine when to switch the PCell being used. In this way, user experience will be improved as the UE is more efficiently using the available radio access technologies.

In some configurations, the PCell may be selected from many different cells. In some examples, the PCell may be selected from available high bandwidth cells (e.g., an n41 (<NUM>) cell) and lower bandwidth cells (e.g., an n71 (<NUM>) cell) for <NUM> carrier aggregation (CA). The PCell to use may be selected based on current/forecasted network conditions and/or other factors. For instance, when the UE is near tahe high bandwidth cell, the high bandwidth cell may be selected as the PCell as the user experience may be better as compared to using the lower bandwidth cell. According to the invention, if the UE is moving away from the cell center and toward the cell edge, the PCell may be switched from the high bandwidth cell to the lower bandwidth cell. In this way, the user experience is enhanced. Generally, the UE and/or some other node, may monitor/forecast network conditions to determine when to switch the PCell for a UE. By switching the PCell, poor performance of the UE (e.g., when the UE is near/on the cell edge) can be avoided. The systems, devices, and techniques described herein can improve a functioning of a network by providing an architecture to switch the PCell used by the UE for CA based on one or more network conditions. For example, switching from/to a cell for use as a PCell may result in better performance for the UE. These and other improvements to the functioning of a computer and network are discussed herein. More details are provided below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an illustrative environment <NUM> showing dynamically switching from one primary cell (PCell) used by a user equipment (UE) for carrier aggregation (CA) to another PCell. In the network environment <NUM>, a base station <NUM> can communicate with any of a variety of devices in a cell <NUM>, such as a user equipment (UE) <NUM>.

In various examples, the base station <NUM> may include at least one device configured to schedule wireless resources for uplink and downlink communications within the cell <NUM>. The base station <NUM> may further include at least one device configured to transmit communications over the wireless resources to devices located in the cell <NUM> (e.g., the UE <NUM>), and to receive communications over the wireless resources from the devices located in the cell <NUM>.

Although not illustrated in <FIG>, in some instances, the base station <NUM> may relay communications between an external network (e.g., a core network as illustrated in <FIG>) and the devices located in the cell <NUM>. A core network, for example, can provide services to device(s) via the base station <NUM> from a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet. In some instances, the core network includes an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) core (sometimes referred to as an "IMS core network," an "IMS network," or an "IM CN Subsystem").

In some instances, the base station <NUM> can utilize wireless resources specified in the <NUM> New Radio (NR) standard, as defined by 3GPP. In certain implementations, the base station <NUM> can transmit and receive communications over frequency bands including, but not limited frequency ranges associated with Long Term Evolution (LTE), <NUM> networks (e.g., frequency range <NUM> (FR1) that ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>, and frequency range <NUM> (FR2) that ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>), as well as other frequency ranges, In some embodiments, the base station <NUM> can be, or at least include, a gNodeB (gNb).

In addition, the base station <NUM> may utilize other types of wireless resources. For example, the base station <NUM> may utilize a wireless band including frequency resources in at least one of a Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band (e.g., a <NUM>-<NUM> band), a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Band <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> band), an LTE Band <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>), and the like. In some instances, the frequency resources can include, but are not limited to, LTE Band <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM> GHz), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>), and LTE Band <NUM> (<NUM>). Although referred to in the context of LTE bands, it can be understood that the base station may utilize the frequency resources discussed herein in the context of any <NUM> embodiments, such as n71.

In some embodiments, the base station <NUM> is part of a Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture and/or a Standalone (SA) architecture. In an NSA architecture, the base station <NUM> may be coordinated with an LTE base station, and/or may relay services between devices in the cell <NUM> and an LTE core network (e.g., an Evolved Packet Core (EPC)). In an SA architecture, the base station <NUM> may relay services between devices in the cell <NUM> and a <NUM> core network (5GC).

The cell <NUM> may be a geographic region in which the base station <NUM> can transmit and/or receive wireless communications. The cell <NUM> may be divided into at least two regions, which are defined according to a distance from the base station <NUM>, a quality of wireless communications with the base station <NUM>, sources of attenuation in the cell <NUM>, etc. For example, the cell <NUM> may include a near-cell region 110A, a mid-cell region, 110B, and a cell edge region <NUM>. In some instances, the near-cell region 110A is less than a threshold distance from the base station <NUM> and is a region where wireless communication with the base station <NUM> is relatively strong. The mid-cell region 110B is equal to or larger than the threshold distance In certain instances, the cell edge region <NUM> is more than a threshold distance from the base station <NUM> and is a region where wireless communication with the base station <NUM> and has an outer boundary that is defined by the cell edge <NUM> outer boundary of the cell <NUM>. In some instances, the mid-cell region 110B is a region where wireless communication with the base station <NUM> is weaker than in the near-cell region 110A.

The base station <NUM> may determine whether devices are located in the near-cell region 110A, the mid-cell region 110B, or past the cell edge region <NUM> based on a quality and/or power of transmissions between the base station <NUM> and the devices. For instance, the base station <NUM> may determine that the UE <NUM> is located in the near-cell region 110A by receiving a signal from the UE <NUM> and determining that a quality or power of the received signal is greater than a particular threshold. The base station <NUM> may determine that a UE <NUM> is located in the mid-cell region 110A by receiving a signal from the UE <NUM> and determining that a quality or power of the received signal is less than or equal to the particular threshold.

The UE <NUM> is configured to transmit and/or receive wireless communications with the base station <NUM> and may be located in the cell <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may be capable of supporting NR communications. For example, the UE <NUM> may be configured to support at least one of enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) communications, Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLCs), or massive Machine Type Communications (mMTCs). In some instances, the UE <NUM> and/or the second UE <NUM> support one or more of a sensor network, voice services, smart city cameras, gigabytes-in-a-second communications, 3D video, <NUM> screens, work & play in the cloud, augmented reality, industrial and/or vehicular automation, mission critical broadband, or a self-driving car.

The UE <NUM> may be capable of transmitting/receiving data wirelessly using any suitable wireless communications/data technology, protocol, or standard, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE+), NR, Generic Access Network (GAN), Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), evolved HSPA (HSPA+), Voice over IP (VoIP), VoLTE, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) <NUM>. 1x protocols, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), digital subscriber line (DSL), CBRS, and/or any future IP-based network technology or evolution of an existing IP-based network technology. Examples of the UE <NUM> can include, but are not limited to, smart phones, mobile phones, cell phones, tablet computers, portable computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), electronic book devices, or any other portable electronic devices that can generate, request, receive, transmit, or exchange voice, video, and/or digital data over a network. Additional examples of the UE <NUM> include, but are not limited to, smart devices such as televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, smart mirrors, coffee machines, lights, lamps, temperature sensors, leak sensors, water sensors, electricity meters, parking sensors, music players, headphones, or any other electronic appliances that can generate, request, receive, transmit, or exchange voice, video, and/or digital data over a wireless network.

The base station <NUM> may be configured to transmit first downlink data to the UE <NUM>. As used herein, the term "downlink," and its equivalents, refers to a transmission direction defined from a base station to an end-user device. As used herein, the term "uplink," and its equivalents, refers to a transmission defined from the end-user device to the base station. The base station <NUM> may utilize multiple channels for downlink transmissions within the cell <NUM>. As used herein, the terms "channel," "frequency channel," "frequency resource," "carrier frequency," or their equivalents, may refer to a distinct range of electromagnetic frequencies or spectrum by which data can be transmitted wirelessly from one device to at least one other device. A "band" may refer to a range of frequencies including multiple channels that are adjacent in the frequency spectrum. In some examples, a frequency channel is defined according to a single frequency. For instance, the data is transmitted by modulating a "carrier," which is an electromagnetic wave that has a frequency defined within a particular frequency channel. The base station <NUM> may utilize various channels in the radio spectrum. In particular, the base station <NUM> may be allocated, or otherwise utilize, multiple channels for downlink transmission within the cell <NUM>.

In various implementations, the base station <NUM> may use CA to transmit data to a UE within the cell. For example, a cell from the cells <NUM> may be selected to service as a PCell for the UE <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, a primary cell (PCell) may be selected from cells <NUM>. In some cases, the PCell <NUM> used by the UE <NUM> may be selected based on network conditions, the location of the UE <NUM> within the cell <NUM>, and/or other factors may be used to select the PCell <NUM> to use by the UE <NUM> for CA. The distance between the base station <NUM> and the first UE <NUM> may impact the reliability of data transmitted over different channels. For example, higher-frequency signals are attenuated by the air and obstructions to a greater extent than lower-frequency signals, such as signals transmitted over LTE bands. In some configurations, when the UE <NUM> is within the near-cell region <NUM>, the PCell 118A that operates at a higher frequency compared to PCell 118B may be chosen as the PCell. In some examples, the base station <NUM> may determine that the UE <NUM> is in the mid/near-cell region <NUM> based on a quality of signal received by the base station <NUM> from the UE <NUM>.

According to various examples, the PCell to be used by the UE <NUM> for CA may be selected based on network conditions. For example, the base station <NUM>, the UE <NUM>, or some other device/component may determine current/forecasted congestion levels of the channels available for downlink transmission. As used herein, the terms "congestion level," "utilization level," and their equivalents, can refer to an amount of a wireless resource being used to transfer data between devices. For example, the congestion level of a wireless channel can refer to an amount (e.g., a percentage) of scheduled slots within the wireless channel. In various cases, the PCell <NUM> may be changed based on changing conditions of the UE <NUM> and/or network. For instance, if the congestion level of the frequency range associated with the PCell exceeds a threshold or is predicted to exceed the threshold.

In the example illustrated by <FIG>, the UE <NUM> uses PCell 118A at time T1 when the UE <NUM> is considered to be in a near-cell 110A condition and then is dynamically switched to PCell 118B at time T2 when the UE <NUM> moves away from the near-cell 110A condition and is near the cell edge <NUM>. In some examples, the UE <NUM> may continue to use PCell 118A even when it moves away from the near-cell 110A condition. For instance, the congestion level for the channels used by PCell 118B may be congested or forecasted to be congested.

In some examples, artificial intelligence (AI) may be used in determining when to dynamically change the PCell. For instance, the base station <NUM> may use a computing model to predict conditions of the network and select the PCell <NUM> based on the predicted conditions. The base station <NUM> may store congestion levels of various channels within the spectrum over time. The base station <NUM> may use a computing model, such as a machine learning model, to identify trends in the congestion levels. As used herein, the term "machine learning model" can refer to any computing model that is built or otherwise optimized based on training data. The machine learning model, for example, may be configured to identify features that are indicative of data traffic and/or spectrum trends based on training data indicating previous data traffic metrics associated with the base station <NUM>. The machine learning model may be supervised, unsupervised, or a combination of both. Examples of the machine learning model include at least one of a decision tree, a support vector machine, a regression model (e.g., a logistic regression model), a Bayesian network, or any other type of machine learning model known in the art. Once trained, the machine learning model may be configured to intelligently select a PCell <NUM> for the UE <NUM>.

In a particular example, the base station <NUM> may identify, by training a machine learning model, that one or more times of the day are regularly associated with high congestion levels in the spectrum used by the base station <NUM>. For instance, the time(s) may be correlated with when a large number of users is within range of the base station <NUM>. Using the machine learning model, the base station <NUM> may predict that congestion levels will temporarily increase at one or more times of the day. In some cases, the base station <NUM> may attempt to select a higher bandwidth cell to use as the PCell when congestion is expected on the lower bandwidth cells.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an illustrative environment including a <NUM> core network showing switching the PCell used for CA. The environment <NUM> may include an access network <NUM>, a <NUM> core network <NUM>, a network <NUM>, and a data network <NUM> that is associated with a wireless service provider(s). The environment <NUM> is illustrated in simplified form and may include many more components.

The environment <NUM> may include one or more base stations <NUM> that may be wireless or wired that are coupled to <NUM> core network <NUM> and/or some other network. The environment <NUM> may also include one or more access points (not shown), and one or more gateways (not shown). A base station <NUM> may handle traffic and signals between electronic devices, such as the user equipment <NUM>, and <NUM> CN <NUM>. For example, a base station <NUM> may perform the transcoding of speech channels, allocation of radio channels to electronic devices, paging, transmission and reception of voice and data, as well as other functions. While one base station is illustrated, more than one base station <NUM> may be included within cell <NUM>. Each base station <NUM> may include a transceiver, antenna, and additional network switch and control equipment that provide a network cell for facilitating wireless communication between UE computing devices and the core network <NUM> and/or other networks.

The UE <NUM> are computing devices that can include, but are not limited to, smart phones, mobile phones, cell phones, tablet computers, portable computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), electronic book devices, or any other portable electronic devices that can generate, request, receive, transmit, or exchange voice, video, and/or digital data using a cellular access network <NUM>, and/or over a Wi-Fi network, or some other type of network. In some instances, the UE <NUM> computing devices can be configured to send and receive data using any wired or wireless protocols. Additional examples of the UE <NUM> include, but are not limited to, smart devices such as televisions, music players, or any other electronic appliances that can generate, request, receive, transmit, or exchange voice, video, and/or digital data over a network. In some examples, the UE <NUM> is configured to communicate with <NUM> CN <NUM>, and/or other cellular networks. The UE <NUM> can further be configured to establish or receive a communication session, such as a voice call, a video call, or another sort of communication.

In some configurations, one or more nodes, such as nodes <NUM> illustrated in <NUM> CN <NUM> and/or nodes <NUM> illustrated in network <NUM> may be configured as one or more application servers that provide support for one more applications, such as application <NUM> used by one or more computing devices, such as UE <NUM>. Some example applications include, but are not limited to browser applications, messaging applications, voice applications (e.g., Voice over Internet Protocol "VoIP" applications), video applications, and the like.

While the nodes <NUM> are illustrated within the <NUM> CN <NUM> and nodes <NUM> are illustrated in network <NUM>, one or more other computing devices may be located outside of these networks. For example, an application server, or some other server or device, may be connected to a network via one or more external packet switched networks, such as the Internet.

According to some configurations, a telephony client application on the UE <NUM> may establish data communication with the network <NUM> through a data connection to the base station <NUM>. The base station <NUM> may route a communication wired/wirelessly from the UE <NUM> through the access network <NUM> for communication to the <NUM> CN <NUM>. In general, a base station <NUM> can be implemented as a variety of technologies to provide wired and/or wireless access to the network, as discussed herein. In some instances, the base station <NUM> can include a New Radio (<NUM>) RAN, a 3GPP RAN, such a GSM/EDGE RAN (GERAN), a Universal Terrestrial RAN (UTRAN), an evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), or alternatively, a "non-3GPP" RAN, such as a Wi-Fi RAN, or another type of wireless local area network (WLAN) that is based on the IEEE <NUM> standards. Further, the base station <NUM> can include any number and type of transceivers and/or base stations representing any number and type of macrocells, microcells, picocells, or femtocells, for example, with any type or amount of overlapping coverage or mutually exclusive coverage.

When a communication request arrives at the network <NUM>, one or more of the nodes <NUM> may determine the identity of the originating computing device for the communication (e.g., using a telephone number, IMEI, IMSI, IP address) as well as the identity of the computing devices to send the communication. In some configurations, one or more of the nodes <NUM> may be used to determine the identity of the originating computing device for the communication as well as the identity of the computing devices to send the communication. According to some configurations, a UE <NUM> may connect to the service nodes <NUM>, or some other component such as an application server, via the Internet (not illustrated).

As illustrated, the environment <NUM> includes one or more servers, including nodes <NUM>, to facilitate communications by and between the various devices in the environment <NUM> and perform operations relating to using the network <NUM>, the data network <NUM>, and/or other networks. That is, environment <NUM> can include any computing devices implementing various aspects of one or more of second, third, fourth generation, and fifth generation (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) cellular-wireless access technologies, which may be cross-compatible and may operate collectively to provide data communication services. Global Systems for Mobile (GSM) is an example of <NUM> telecommunications technologies; Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is an example of <NUM> telecommunications technologies; and Long-Term Evolution (LTE), including LTE Advanced, Evolved High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) are examples of <NUM>, and <NUM> NR is an example of <NUM> telecommunications technologies. Thus, the environment <NUM> may implement GSM, UMTS, LTE/LTE Advanced, and/or <NUM> NR telecommunications technologies.

The environment <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a combination of: base transceiver stations BTSs (e.g., NodeBs, Enhanced-NodeBs, gNodeBs), Radio network Controllers (RNCs), serving GPRS support nodes (SGSNs), gateway GPRS support nodes (GGSNs), proxies, a mobile switching center (MSC), a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (SGW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (PGW), an evolved packet data gateway (e-PDG), an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or any other data traffic control entity configured to communicate and/or route data packets between the UE <NUM>, and one or more endpoints within the environment <NUM> (e.g., nodes 212A - <NUM> that provide network functions (NFs) 220A - 220D, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) <NUM>, Session Management Function (SMF) <NUM>, user-plane functions (UPFs) <NUM>, nodes 216A - 216Q that provide NFs 220E - 220I, websites, etc.). While <FIG> illustrates an example environment <NUM>, it is understood in the context of this document, that the techniques discussed herein may also be implemented in other networking technologies.

The <NUM> core network <NUM> may expose network Functions (NFs) to nodes within the network <NUM>, and/or nodes within some other network, such as network <NUM> and/or network <NUM>. As illustrated, the <NUM> CN exposes NFs 220A - 220D, AMF <NUM>, SMF <NUM>, and UPFs <NUM>.

In some examples, the UE <NUM> requests a new session that is received by an AMF <NUM>. The AMF <NUM> receives the request from the UE <NUM> and handles connection or mobility management requests while forwarding session management requirements to the SMF <NUM>. The AMF <NUM> may determine which SMF <NUM> to use by querying a Network Repository Function (NRF), such as NRF <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. According to some configurations, the SMF <NUM> may access and/or store data that identifies the connected cell-IDs associated with UEs and the corresponding connected UPFs.

As briefly discussed above, using techniques described herein, a UE <NUM> is not limited to using an initially selected PCell <NUM> for CA in a <NUM> cellular network. For example, a UE <NUM> can be configured to use a first PCell associated with a first frequency range during CA during a first time, and switch to a second PCell associated with a second frequency range when the UE <NUM> at a second time.

As an example, a UE <NUM> can be initially configured to use a first PCell at registration and/or upon completion of a hand-over procedure. After the initial configuration, the base station <NUM>, or some other device or component can monitor/forecast network conditions and determine when to switch the UE <NUM> from/to the PCell.

While the UE <NUM> is connected to a base station <NUM>, the base station <NUM> may be receiving various types of data that is relevant in determining which communication PCell is currently optimal to be used by the UE <NUM> for CA. For example, the UE <NUM> may generate performance metrics associated with a current state of service being provided by the network operator and/or signal qualities associated with the base station <NUM> and/or one or more other base stations. As a more specific, but non-limiting example, the performance metrics may indicate that a signal strength of the current PCell is relatively weak at the UE <NUM> and that signals are also available from other cells <NUM> that may serve as the PCell for the UE <NUM>. The metrics may include standard Received Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements that are generated for use in base station selection, reselection, and handover triggering. In various embodiments, the performance metrics may also discretely indicate with respect to one or more base stations a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), a Signal-to-Interference Plus Noise Ratio (SINR), a Signal-to-Noise Plus Distortion Ratio (SNDR), or any combination thereof. In some examples, the UE <NUM> may calculate a channel quality indicator (CQI) for inclusion within the metrics. For example, a CQI may be calculated using any relevant factors such as, for example, RSRP, SNR, SINR, SNDR, or any combination thereof.

In addition to receiving metrics from the UE <NUM>, the base station <NUM> and/or some other device or component, may also be receiving/accessing/generating other data such as current capacity data associated with an available capacity of various base stations.

Upon receiving the metrics and/or other data, the base station <NUM> and/or some other device or component may determine in real-time or substantially real-time a PCell <NUM> to use for CA by the UE <NUM>. For example, while metrics are being received from the UE <NUM>, the base station <NUM> may determine that a switch from the currently selected PCell will increase performance. Accordingly, the base station <NUM> may cause the PCell to be switched to a different PCell.

In some embodiments, the determination of which PCell to use may be based on a current demand for data from the UE <NUM>. For example, a user of the UE <NUM> may need access to streaming video content while at work. Accordingly, during the user's word day, the data demand from the UE <NUM> may increase sharply as the user begins to stream video content. Therefore, the increased demand for data may factor into what PCell to select.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a system <NUM> that includes one or more components for dynamically switching the PCell used for CA. The system <NUM> includes a terminal <NUM>, which can represent a UE <NUM>, or another computing device, coupled to a server <NUM>, via a network <NUM>. The server <NUM> can represent a computing device, such as one or more of the servers within the access network <NUM>, the <NUM> CN <NUM>, network <NUM>, and/or some other computing device. The network <NUM> can represent network <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or access network <NUM>, or some other network.

The network <NUM> can include one or more networks, such as a cellular network <NUM> and a data network <NUM>. The network <NUM> can include one or more core network(s) connected to terminal(s) via one or more access network(s). Example access networks include LTE, WIFI, GSM Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) Radio Access network (GERAN), UTRAN, and other cellular access networks. Message transmission, reception, fallback, and deduplication as described herein can be performed, e.g., via <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, WIFI, or other networks.

The cellular network <NUM> can provide wide-area wireless coverage using a technology such as GSM, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), UMTS, LTE, NR, or the like. Example networks include Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), Advanced LTE (LTE+), Generic Access network (GAN), Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), GPRS, EDGE, Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), evolved HSPA (HSPA+), VoIP, VoLTE, IEEE <NUM>. 1x protocols, wireless microwave access (WIMAX), WIFI, and/or any future IP-based network technology or evolution of an existing IP-based network technology. Communications between the server <NUM> and terminals such as the terminal <NUM> can additionally or alternatively be performed using other technologies, such as wired (Plain Old Telephone Service, POTS, or PSTN lines), optical (e.g., Synchronous Optical NETwork, SONET) technologies, and the like.

The data network <NUM> can include various types of networks for transmitting and receiving data (e.g., data packets), including networks using technologies such as WIFI, IEEE <NUM>. <NUM> ("BLUETOOTH"), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), WIMAX, and other network technologies, e.g., configured to transport IP packets. In some examples, the server <NUM> includes or is communicatively connected with an IWF or other device bridging networks, e.g., LTE, <NUM>, and POTS networks. In some examples, the server <NUM> can bridge SS7 traffic from the PSTN into the network <NUM>, e.g., permitting PSTN customers to place calls to cellular customers and vice versa.

In some examples, the cellular network <NUM> and the data network <NUM> can carry voice or data. For example, the data network <NUM> can carry voice traffic using VoIP or other technologies as well as data traffic, or the cellular network <NUM> can carry data packets using HSPA, LTE, or other technologies as well as voice traffic. Some cellular networks <NUM> carry both data and voice in a PS format. For example, many LTE networks carry voice traffic in data packets according to the VoLTE standard. Various examples herein provide origination and termination of, e.g., carrier-grade voice calls on, e.g., networks <NUM> using CS transports or mixed VoLTE/<NUM> transports, or on terminals <NUM> including OEM handsets and non-OEM handsets.

The terminal <NUM> can be or include a wireless phone, a wired phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wristwatch, or other type of terminal. The terminal <NUM> can include one or more processors <NUM>, e.g., one or more processor devices such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), programmable array logic devices (PALs), or digital signal processors (DSPs), and one or more computer readable media (CRM) <NUM>, such as memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), solid state drives (SSDs), or the like), disk drives (e.g., platter-based hard drives), another type of computer-readable media, or any combination thereof. The CRM or other memory of terminal <NUM> can hold a datastore, e.g., an SQL or NoSQL database, a graph database, a BLOB, or another collection of data. The terminal <NUM> can further include a user interface (UI) <NUM>, e.g., including an electronic display device, a speaker, a vibration unit, a touchscreen, or other devices for presenting information to a user and receiving commands from the user. The terminal <NUM> can further include one or more network interface(s) <NUM> configured to selectively communicate (wired or wirelessly) via the network <NUM>, e.g., via an access network <NUM>.

The CRM <NUM> can be used to store data and to store instructions that are executable by the processors <NUM> to perform various functions as described herein. The CRM <NUM> can store various types of instructions and data, such as an operating system, device drivers, etc. The processor-executable instructions can be executed by the processors <NUM> to perform the various functions described herein.

The CRM <NUM> can be or include computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible, non-transitory medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the processors <NUM>. Tangible computer-readable media can include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program components, or other data.

The CRM <NUM> can include processor-executable instructions of an application <NUM>. The CRM <NUM> can store information <NUM> identifying the terminal <NUM>. The information <NUM> can include, e.g., an IMEI, an IMSI identifying the subscriber using terminal <NUM>, or other information discussed above. The CRM <NUM> can additionally or alternatively store credentials (omitted for brevity) used for access, e.g., to IMS or RCS services.

The server <NUM> can include one or more processors <NUM> and one or more CRM <NUM>. The CRM <NUM> can be used to store processor-executable instructions of a selection component <NUM> which may be configured to dynamically select a cell <NUM> to serve as a PCell during CA based, at least in part, on one or more network conditions, a switch component <NUM> which may configured to the switch to the selected PCell, a network component <NUM> that is configured to perform one or more network operations, as well as one or more other components <NUM>. The processor-executable instructions can be executed by the one or more processors <NUM> to perform various functions described herein.

In some examples, server <NUM> can communicate with (e.g., is communicatively connectable with) terminal <NUM> or other devices via one or more communications interface(s) <NUM>, e.g., network transceivers for wired or wireless networks, or memory interfaces. Example communications interface(s) <NUM> can include ETHERNET or FIBRE CHANNEL transceivers, WIFI radios, or DDR memory-bus controllers (e.g., for DMA transfers to a network card installed in a physical server <NUM>).

In some examples, processor <NUM> and, if required, CRM <NUM>, are referred to for brevity herein as a "control unit. " For example, a control unit can include a CPU or DSP and instructions executable by that CPU or DSP to cause that CPU or DSP to perform functions described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, a control unit can include an ASIC, FPGA, or other logic device(s) wired (physically or via blown fuses or logic-cell configuration data) to perform functions described herein. Other examples of control units can include processor <NUM> and, if required, CRM <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate example processes. The example processes are illustrated as a logical flow graph, each operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the operations represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of an example process that includes dynamically switching the PCell used by a UE for CA in <NUM> cellular networks. The process includes, at <NUM>, initially selecting a cell <NUM> to use as a PCell by the UE <NUM> for CA during a communication session. As discussed above, the selection of the PCell may be selected based on current/forecasted network conditions, location of the UE <NUM>, and the like.

At <NUM>, a session using CA is established with the UE <NUM> using the selected PCell. As discussed above, using techniques described herein, the UE <NUM> may later switch to a different PCell (e.g., from n41 to n71, from n71 to n41,.

At <NUM>, one or more network conditions are monitored. As discussed above, in some examples, the network conditions indicate whether the UE <NUM> is near cell, mid-cell, or near a cell edge. In some cases, the UE <NUM> monitors specified network conditions and can provide PHRs to one or more nodes, such as a connected gNB associated with cell <NUM>. According to some configurations, other data may also be used to assist in determining what PCell to use. For example, the available bandwidth, current usage statistics, forecasted usage statistics, and/or some other data that may indicate capability of different cells <NUM> to provide service at a desired level to the UE <NUM>.

At <NUM>, the PCell can be switched from the current PCell <NUM> to a different PCell based on the network conditions. Generally, the PCell is switched when the network conditions indicate that the UE <NUM> will have better performance using the different PCell. See <FIG> and related discussion for more details.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of an example process that includes determining when to switch the PCell used by a UE for CA based on network conditions.

The process includes, at <NUM>, accessing network conditions. As discussed above, in some configurations, the UE <NUM>, a node such as a gNB, or some other device/component may access/generate data relating to network conditions. For example, the UE <NUM> may receive reports, such as PHRs, and provide data related to the network conditions to the PCell, and/or some other component or device, that includes data that indicates network conditions. In other examples, the network conditions may be estimated by one or more components of the core network. For example, the base station <NUM> may estimate network conditions for the UE <NUM> based on data received/transmitted to the UE <NUM>.

At <NUM>, a determination is made as to whether to switch to a different PCell. As discussed above, the switch may be from a higher bandwidth cell <NUM> to a lower bandwidth cell <NUM>, or from a lower bandwidth cell <NUM> to a higher bandwidth cell <NUM>. When the network conditions indicate to switch the PCell used by the UE <NUM>, the process moves to <NUM> where the PCell is switched. When it determined that a switch of the PCell is not to occur, the process <NUM> returns to <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A method comprising:
establishing by a UE (<NUM>) through a base station (<NUM>) a communication session within a cellular network (<NUM>) that includes the user equipment (UE) (<NUM>) that supports carrier aggregation (CA);
identifying by the base station (<NUM>) a cell, from a plurality of cells (<NUM>) that includes a first cell associated with a first bandwidth and a second cell associated with a second bandwidth, to use as a primary cell, Pcell, for the CA on a fifth generation, <NUM>, network the base station (<NUM>) handling traffic and signals between the UE (<NUM>), and the <NUM> network (<NUM>);
using the cell as the PCell for the UE;
the base station (<NUM>) predicting network conditions of the <NUM> network;
wherein predicting network conditions comprises predicting congestion levels of various channels used by the plurality of cells;
determining by the base station (<NUM>) whether to switch the PCell to a different one of the plurality of cells based, at least in part, on the predicted network conditions of the <NUM> network and a movement of the UE wherein when the UE is moving away from the cell center and toward the cell edge, the PCell is switched from a high bandwidth cell to a low bandwidth cell; and
the base station (<NUM>) switching the PCell to the different one of the plurality of cells.