3GPP Terminal Mediator for Non-3GPP Device Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networking technologies, such as 3GPP compliant mobile networks, are unable to configure non-3GPP devices with routing and network selection information, limiting their ability to optimize interface selection for data communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable non-3GPP devices to receive routing information from a 3GPP network's Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) by converting ANDSF data into Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards, allowing these devices to select appropriate network interfaces for data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 3GPP network uses ANDSF to provide routing information, then 3GPP terminals can select networks efficiently, but non-3GPP devices cannot receive or utilize this routing information
Solution Approach 1:
The 3GPP terminal acts as an intermediary between the ANDSF and non-3GPP devices. It receives routing information from the ANDSF in 3GPP format, processes and converts it to IETF format, then provides it to non-3GPP devices. This mediator approach enables information flow across incompatible protocol boundaries without requiring direct ANDSF-non-3GPP device communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms routing information parameters from 3GPP ANDSF format to IETF format. This involves changing data structures, protocol fields, and parameter representations to make them compatible with non-3GPP devices while preserving the essential routing logic and network selection criteria.
2Productivity
If non-3GPP devices manually select interfaces, then device autonomy is maintained, but communication efficiency and network optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Non-3GPP devices automatically receive and process routing information through the 3GPP terminal intermediary, eliminating the need for manual interface selection. The device autonomously makes informed routing decisions based on converted IETF-format routing information, improving communication efficiency without requiring user intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If routing information is converted to IETF format, then non-3GPP devices can understand and use it, but additional processing complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The 3GPP terminal performs multiple functions: it acts as a standard 3GPP device communicating with the ANDSF, simultaneously functions as a protocol converter translating between 3GPP and IETF formats, and serves as a routing information distributor to non-3GPP devices. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single device rather than requiring separate conversion infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for providing route information to a device(s) may include a processor and memory storing executable computer program code that cause the apparatus to at least perform operations including receiving route information from a network device defining rules for devices for connection to a network(s). The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to convert the route information into a type of packet data to obtain route selection information corresponding to the route information. The route selection information is generated on behalf of a device(s) that is unable to communicate with the network device to use the route information to select an interface(s) for communication of content. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to provide the route selection information to the device to utilize the route information to select an interface(s) for communication of data. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.