3GPP-WLAN Aggregation via Intermediary Network Element Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of 3GPP and WLAN networks poses challenges in achieving effective aggregation to enhance user throughput and network capacity, particularly in cross-system scenarios, where existing solutions fail to efficiently manage the interconnection and internetworking of these systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for 3GPP-WLAN aggregation that involves receiving and processing aggregation request messages to establish, modify, or delete wireless network elements, determining the feasibility based on bearing capacity, and sending configuration completion or confirmation messages, enabling seamless interaction between 3GPP and WLAN systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If 3GPP and WLAN networks are integrated to enhance user throughput and network capacity, then network performance is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser throughputVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network element interaction mechanism where the first network element (3GPP side) and second network element (WLAN side) communicate through standardized interfaces. This intermediary interaction framework enables aggregation functionality without requiring complex end-to-end integration, thus improving throughput while managing system complexity through modular communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates aggregation request messages and configuration mechanisms that can handle multiple aggregation scenarios (establishment, modification, deletion) through a unified interface. This universal approach allows the same system framework to serve multiple functions across different 3GPP-WLAN aggregation configurations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If aggregation request messages are processed to establish and manage wireless network elements, then network capacity is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the aggregation management process into distinct message types (aggregation request, configuration completion, confirmation messages) and separate network elements (first network element, second network element). This segmentation allows complex aggregation processing to be broken down into manageable, standardized steps, improving network capacity while reducing processing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If interconnection between 3GPP and WLAN systems is established, then network versatility is improved, but implementation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork versatilityVSAvoidimplementation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes standardized message formats and interaction protocols between 3GPP and WLAN network elements, serving as an intermediary layer that abstracts the complexity of cross-system integration. This allows versatile aggregation functionality to be implemented through standardized interfaces rather than custom point-to-point connections, improving network versatility while easing implementation difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3331273B13GPP-WLAN combined network aggregation method and device
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 ZTE CORP
  • EP3331273B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3331273B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3331273B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Disclosed are a 3GPP-WLAN combined network aggregation method and device, comprising: receiving an aggregation request message transmitted by an access network element; determining the aggregation request result according to the content of the aggregation request message; transmitting the aggregation request result to the access network element.