Abstract: A wireless access node serves wireless User Equipment (UEs) based on wireless network slices that are used by the UEs. In the wireless access node, node circuitry generates initial schedules for the UEs. Radio circuitry in the wireless access node wirelessly communicates with the UEs based on the initial schedules. The node circuitry detects a scheduling contention for the UEs and responsively determines scheduling priority based on the wireless network slices used by the UEs. The node circuitry generates priority schedules for the UEs based on the scheduling priority. The radio circuitry wirelessly communicates with the UEs based on the priority schedules. The node circuitry may use normal scheduling again when the contention subsides.

Abstract: A wireless communication network serves a wireless User Equipment (UE) over a higher-priority Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and a lower-priority PLMN. The UE switches between the higher-priority PLMN at a wireless access node and the lower-priority PLMN at another access node. A network controller detects the excessive PLMN-switching and signals the UE to avoid the higher-priority PLMN until the wireless UE returns from idle mode. The wireless access node exchanges additional communications with the wireless UE over the lower-priority PLMN until the wireless UE enters the idle mode. The wireless access node may exchange additional communications with the wireless UE over the higher-priority PLMN after the UE returns from idle mode.

Abstract: A system and method of managing network bandwidth is provided, in which one or more utilization thresholds are set for an access node, wherein the access node is configured to communicate using a band consisting of a first portion corresponding to communication in a first communication mode and a second communication mode and a second portion corresponding to communication in the first communication mode but not the second communication mode; and one or more utilization parameters are monitored and compared to the corresponding utilization threshold(s). Based on the comparison, the sizes of the portions may be modified and/or wireless devices seeking to join the network may be appropriately assigned.

Abstract: A wireless access node serves slice-capable User Equipment (UEs) and slice-incapable UEs. In the wireless access node, a radio exchanges slice data between the slice-capable UEs and a Baseband Unit (BBU). The radio exchanges non-slice data between the slice-incapable UEs and the BBU. The BBU exchanges the slice data with a wireless network slice and exchanges the non-slice data with a network element. The BBU determines its load for the slice-capable UEs. The BBU controls access to the wireless access node by new slice-incapable UEs based on the load for the slice-capable UEs.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing network resources. The method includes setting a first resource usage threshold for wireless devices connected to an access node. The method additionally includes monitoring resource usage of the connected wireless devices and comparing the monitored resource usage to the first resource usage threshold. The method further includes dynamically restricting wireless device access to at least one area characterized by signal performance parameters in a first predetermined range when the monitored resource usage meets the first resource usage threshold.

Abstract: A system and method of managing network bandwidth is provided, in which one or more utilization thresholds are set for an access node, wherein the access node is configured to communicate using a band consisting of a first portion corresponding to communication in a first communication mode and a second communication mode and a second portion corresponding to communication in the first communication mode but not the second communication mode; and one or more utilization parameters are monitored and compared to the corresponding utilization threshold(s). Based on the comparison, the sizes of the portions may be modified and/or wireless devices seeking to join the network may be appropriately assigned.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides system and methods for steering wireless communication devices away from low capacity layers (e.g., cells operating on low bandwidth frequency bands or low capacity radio access technologies (RATs) when the devices are stuck on such low capacity layers because of operational state changes of radio cells that the devices can attach to. For example, when a base station determines that a stationary, connected-mode, device has been operating on a low capacity layer for a certain duration, or if a higher capacity layer that was previously out of service comes back in service, the base station can initiate a handover causing the device to attach to the higher capacity layer.

Abstract: The technology described herein reduces control-plane overloading by transferring UEs from the overloaded control plane to another available control plane. At a high level, the technology identifies when a control plane is overloaded, identifies other available control planes in a geographic area served by the overloaded control plane, and then identifies UEs for transfer using one or more criteria. Initially, a measure of control-plane performance for a control plane is received. Next, a determination is made that the control plane is overloaded by comparing the measure of control-plane performance to an overload threshold. When an overload condition exists for a control plane, then UEs with existing communication sessions using the control plane are identified for transfer.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides systems and methods for dynamically assigning cell reselection priorities (e.g., system information block (SIB) priorities) to different layers (e.g., different frequency bands or different radio access technologies (RATs)) for radio cells experiencing performance degradation. In some implementations, default SIB priorities of degraded layers are downgraded based on the severity of the performance degradation, for example, set to the lowest variable SIB priority for critical performance degradations. The adjusted SIB priorities are broadcast to user equipment (UE) to allow the UEs to perform cell reselection based on the adjusted SIB priorities. When the performance degradation is resolved, the SIB priorities revert to the default SIB priorities.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing layer assignment based on a total QCI value associated with a UE when the UE falls back from a first wireless access technology to a second wireless access technology, such as from 5G to LTE. QCI values and/or one or more applications running on a UE are monitored to determined when a threshold is met. The UE may receive or initiate a voice call, and at this point, the UE may fallback to LTE from 5G. The network may determine that the UE should fallback to an LTE layer having the highest bandwidth to support the high total QCI value and the high number of applications running on the UE.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing layer assignment to UEs that are currently on an LTE network, or that are experiencing EPS fallback and are moving from 5G to LTE. Instead of blindly assigning a UE an LTE layer or assigning the same layer to all UEs, aspects provided for an intelligent and dynamic selection of an LTE layer for each UE. The network may analyze one or both of layer compatibility information and historical data associated with the UEs. With this information, the network assigns an LTE layer to each UE.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing use of wireless communication technologies for a UE. The method can include determining that the UE has established a first wireless communication link to a first node that can use both a first and a second wireless communication protocol, then determining whether, prior to connecting to the first node, the UE was previously connected to a second node that only utilizes the first wireless communication protocol (e.g., standalone 5G). If the UE was previously connected to the second node and moved to the first node because of fallback or handover procedures, a second communication link is established between the UE and the second node without analyzing single information corresponding to the UE.

Abstract: The technology described herein improves communication quality and device efficiency by selecting an initial radio technology (e.g., LTE, 5G) for use in an EN-DC communication session between a user equipment (UE) and a communication network. The radio technology may be selected by a network node (e.g., eNodeB) based on a geographic location of the UE within a service area and performance measures calculated for geographic location. In some geographic areas, the 5G leg may perform below a threshold quality measure, while the LTE leg performs well. In these situations, designating the LTE leg as the radio technology for the initial user-data layer may yield a better overall performance (e.g., data throughput) than using the 5G technology for the initial user-data layer leg.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dynamically determining optimal 5G New Radio (NR) configuration for dual Radio Access Technology (RAT) technology capable user equipment (UE). After receiving an indication a UE has connected to a particular sector, an eNodeB having a nonstandalone (NSA) 5G node and a standalone (SA) 5G node requests historical information or geotagged data corresponding to the UE. The eNodeB determines a NSA signal quality for a 5G node of the eNodeB and a SA signal quality of the 5G SA node. Based on a delta of the NSA signal quality and the SA signal quality being below a predetermined threshold, the eNodeB uses the historical information or the geotagged data to dynamically assign the UE to the NSA 5G node or the SA 5G node.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to address issues related to poor radio conditions (e.g., SS-RSRP/SS-RSRQ/SS-SINR) associated with poor coverage for user devices (e.g., user equipment (UEs)) positioned between Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) beams emitted from a cell tower. Specifically, Next Generation Node B (gNB) may identify the location of the user devices (reporting poor signal strength due to poor radio conditions) based on angle or arrival and/or timing advance. Systems and methods further include controlling a phase and amplitude of the SSB beam(s) serving the user device to improve the signal strength of these user devices experiencing poor radio conditions, until the signal strength is within/above target threshold value(s). In this manner, user coverage is improved, with the option to prioritize premium subscribers, without the need for employing a more expensive alternative (e.g., building additional cell sites and towers) for improving user coverage.

Abstract: A wireless communication network serves User Equipment (UE) based on co-location and Received Signal Strength (RSS). A serving wireless access node selects itself for an uplink and downlink when no candidate wireless access nodes are co-located with the serving node. The serving node selects a candidate node for the uplink and downlink when the candidate node is co-located with the serving node and has an RSS level that exceeds a first threshold. The serving node selects itself for the uplink and selects a candidate node for the downlink when the candidate node is co-located with the serving node and has an RSS between the first threshold and a second threshold. The UE may trigger access node selection by entering idle mode. The serving node may condition the selection of a candidate node on whether the candidate node supports a wireless network slice for the UE.

Abstract: Solutions for providing a data traffic session include: while a voice over new radio (VoNR) capable user equipment (UE) is being served by a first cell that does not support VoNR, determining that a second cell that does support VoNR is available to serve the UE; transferring the UE to service by the second cell; and providing a VoNR call to the UE through the second cell. The transfer may comprise a redirection or a handover (based on whether the UE is already in a call). Some examples further include a trigger of: receiving a notification of an incoming voice call to the UE, receiving a notification of an outgoing voice call from the UE, and receiving a notification of a handover of a voice call for the UE.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dynamic beam pattern management of one or more antenna elements of an antenna array at a cell site. The methods can include receiving information associated with one or more user devices, where the information includes elevation information, and determining whether the user devices are positioned at an increased elevation, a decreased elevation, or an equal elevation relative to a threshold elevation value. The methods can also include shifting between broadcast footprints, where the broadcast footprints are different in at least a vertical plane or in at least an azimuthal plane.

Abstract: A system and method of managing network resources is provided, in which a noise threshold for an access node is set, the access node being configured for communication in both of a first and a second communication mode; a noise parameter in a band of the first communication mode is monitored; a join request is received from a wireless device, the wireless device being configured for communication in both of the first and the second communication mode; the noise parameter is compared to the noise threshold; in response to a determination that the noise parameter does not exceed the noise threshold, the wireless device is assigned to the first communication mode; and in response to a determination that the noise parameter exceeds the noise threshold, the wireless device is assigned to the second communication mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cell prioritization. Methods involve monitoring resource usage on a first cell and comparing the monitored resource usage on the first cell to a predetermined threshold. The method additionally includes receiving a connection request from a hybrid wireless device capable of communicating using the first RAT and the second RAT and assigning the hybrid wireless device to the second cell when the monitored resource usage on the first cell meets the predetermined threshold.