Abstract: When a first radio of a UE has an air-interface connection with an access node on a first carrier and the UE encounters a trigger for the UE to scan for and report to the access node coverage on a second carrier, a second radio of the UE, rather than the first radio of the UE, will conduct the scanning, and the first radio of the UE will then report to access node over the air-interface connection on the first carrier a result of the scanning conducted by the second radio. Optimally, the first radio of the UE thus need not tune away from its air-interface connection with the access node in order for the UE to scan for target coverage on the second carrier. And the process could thereby help avoid the interruption of communication between the UE and the access node on the air-interface connection over the first carrier.

Abstract: A wireless communication network handsover a wireless User Equipment (UE). The wireless communication network selects a network slice for the wireless UE. The wireless communication network selects handover criteria for the wireless UE based on the selected network slice. The wireless communication network serves the wireless UE over a source Radio Access Network (RAN) and the selected network slice. The selected network slice detects a UE handover from the source RAN to a target RAN based on the handover criteria, and in response, the wireless communication network serves the wireless UE over the target RAN and the selected network slice.

Abstract: Selecting combinations of antennae of a wireless device based on transmission type includes determining a transmission type of a transmission between the wireless device and an access node and, based on the transmission type, instructing the wireless device to utilize different antenna configurations, including 5G EN-DC, MIMO, mm-wave, and other combinations. The different antenna configurations comprise different combinations of antennae of the wireless device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wireless communication network serves a wireless User Equipment (UE) over wireless network slices using different handover types. The wireless communication network selects one of the wireless network slices for the wireless UE. The wireless communication network identifies one of the different handover types for the wireless UE based on the selected one of the wireless network slices. The wireless communication network serves the wireless UE over the selected one of the wireless network slices. The wireless communication network wirelessly hands-over the wireless UE from a source wireless access node to a target wireless access node using the identified one of the different handover types.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of provisioning radio resources to a user equipment (UE) by a cell site. The method comprises receiving by a cell site an indication of a UE capability from a UE, determining by the cell site a value of a network capability parameter to associate to the UE that is less than a maximum value of the network capability parameter that is compatible with the UE capability category of the UE, wherein the determining is based on a subscription service plan associated with the UE, and providing radio resources to the UE by the cell site based on the determined value of the network capability parameter, wherein the network capability parameter defines one of a radio modulation level, a carrier aggregation (CA) state, and a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) state.

Abstract: A wireless User Equipment (UE) uses different handover types for different user applications that are served by different wireless network slices. The wireless UE executes a selected one of the user applications and selects one of the wireless network slices to serve the selected one of the user applications. The wireless UE selects one of the handover types for the selected one of the wireless network slices. The wireless UE wirelessly exchanges application data for the selected one of the user applications with a wireless communication network. The wireless UE and the wireless communication network use the selected one of the handover types for the wireless exchange of the application data. The selected one of the wireless network slices processes the application data in the wireless communication network for the selected one of the user applications.

Abstract: A wireless access node wirelessly broadcasts System Information Blocks (SIBs) that indicate individual slice characteristics for wireless network slices. A wireless UE wirelessly receives the SIBs, selects one of the slices based on user requirements for a user application and the individual slice characteristics for the slices, and transfers UE capability information that indicates the selected slice to the wireless access node. The wireless access node transfers the UE capability information to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The AMF authorizes the wireless UE for the selected slice and selects Quality-of-Service (QoS) parameters for the wireless UE that correspond to the individual slice characteristics for the selected slice. The AMF transfers signaling to the wireless access node to serve the wireless UE per the selected QoS parameters. The wireless access node wirelessly exchanges user data with the wireless UE per the selected QoS parameters.

Abstract: A wireless UE wirelessly attaches to a network controller over a source RAN. The UE transfers UE capabilities that comprise a Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN ID) and transfers a slice request for a network slice type to the network controller over the source RAN. The network controller selects a network slice based on the requested network slice type. The network controller selects a mobility profile that comprises handover criteria based on the requested slice type and the PLMN ID. The UE exchanges user data with a user plane over the selected network slice. The UE determines a handover requirement based on the handover criteria and identifies a set of target RANs. The UE selects one of the target RANs based on the handover criteria and hands over to the target RAN. The UE exchanges additional user data with user plane over the network slice and the target RAN.

Abstract: A wireless communication network serves a wireless User Equipment (UE) over a working network slice and a protect network slice. The wireless communication network receives UE capability data from the wireless UE that indicates the working network slice and the protect network slice. The wireless communication network determines UE context for the working network slice and for the protect network slice. The wireless communication network exchanges initial user data with the wireless UE over the working network slice based on the UE context. The wireless communication network exchanges additional user data with the wireless UE over the protect network slice based on the UE context when performance of the working network slice triggers a slice switch based on the UE context.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving quality and coverage of a VoNR session on a user device. When a user device is currently engaged in a VoNR session having a voice signal and a data signal, at least one KPI is monitored. The KPI is an indicator that can indicate the quality of the VoNR session, such as RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, or the like. A threshold for the KPI is determined. Once the threshold is met, a handover is initiated for the voice signal without initiating a handover for the data signal.

Abstract: A wireless communication network serves a wireless User Equipment (UE) over a backhaul link. A wireless network core identifies a wireless access node and a radio band for the wireless UE. The wireless network core selects a backhaul data rate for the wireless UE based on the radio band for the wireless UE. The wireless network core exchanges user data with the wireless access node over the backhaul link using the selected backhaul data rate. The wireless access node exchanges the user data with the wireless network core over the backhaul link using the selected backhaul data rate. The wireless access node wirelessly exchanges the user data with the wireless UE over the radio band.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of provisioning radio resources to a user equipment (UE) by a cell site. The method comprises receiving by a cell site an indication of a UE capability from a UE, determining by the cell site a value of a network capability parameter to associate to the UE that is less than a maximum value of the network capability parameter that is compatible with the UE capability category of the UE, wherein the determining is based on a subscription service plan associated with the UE, and providing radio resources to the UE by the cell site based on the determined value of the network capability parameter, wherein the network capability parameter defines one of a radio modulation level, a carrier aggregation (CA) state, and a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) state.

Abstract: A primary wireless access node receives signaling that indicates primary power headroom for a User Equipment (UE) when transmitting to the primary wireless access node and secondary power headroom for the UE when transmitting to a secondary wireless access node. The primary wireless access node determines a primary uplink grant and a secondary uplink grant for the UE and transfers the secondary uplink grant amount to the secondary wireless access node. The primary wireless access node wirelessly transfers the primary uplink grant to the UE and wirelessly receives primary user data from the UE based on the primary uplink grant. The secondary wireless access node receives the secondary uplink grant from the primary wireless access node. The secondary wireless access node wirelessly transfers the secondary uplink grant to the UE and wirelessly receives secondary user data from the UE based on the secondary uplink grant.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wireless communication network serves a wireless User Equipment (UE) over a working network slice and a protect network slice. In the wireless communication network, the UE transfers UE capability data to a network control-plane that indicates the working network slice and the protect network slice. The network control-plane generates UE context for the working network slice and the protect network slice. The network control-plane signals the UE context to the UE and to a network user-plane. The UE and network user plane exchange user data over the working network slice based on the UE context. The UE determines when the performance of the working network slice triggers a slice switch based on the UE context. In response to the slice switch, the UE stops using the working network slice. The UE and network user-plane exchange user data over the protect network slice based on the UE context.

Abstract: 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.