Access Gateway Handoff via QoS Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile network handoff schemes fail to preserve quality of service (QoS) constraints during mobility, leading to potential degradations and interruptions, especially in video streaming and VoIP services, due to capacity limitations and inappropriate access technology selection.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves sending quality of service parameters from a user device to a policy function server, which determines suitable access gateways based on capacity and QoS requirements, enabling seamless handoffs between access gateways while maintaining service quality by selecting the best available network for multimedia applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing handoff schemes are used, then mobility is supported, but quality of service constraints are not preserved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the access gateway continuously monitors capacity thresholds and QoS parameters, and this information is fed back to the mobility agent. The mobility agent uses this feedback to make informed handoff decisions that preserve QoS constraints while enabling mobility. This resolves the contradiction by creating a closed-loop system where handoff decisions are based on real-time QoS status rather than mobility alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing capacity thresholds and QoS requirements before handoff occurs. The system proactively identifies when QoS constraints are at risk of being violated and initiates handoff decisions in advance. This preliminary assessment of QoS status enables the system to maintain service quality while supporting mobility, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If capacity thresholds are exceeded, then service continuity is maintained, but quality of service degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by setting capacity thresholds that trigger handoff decisions before QoS degradation occurs. When the access gateway detects that capacity thresholds are approaching or exceeded, it proactively initiates handoff to prevent QoS violation. This preventive approach maintains both service continuity and QoS reliability by acting before the harmful condition (capacity exhaustion) fully develops.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inappropriate access technology is selected, then network availability is maintained, but quality of service deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by evaluating multiple access technologies based on their ability to meet QoS parameters such as bandwidth, latency, and jitter. The mobility agent compares QoS capabilities across different access technologies and selects the one that best satisfies the application's requirements. This parameter-based selection resolves the contradiction by making access technology choice dependent on QoS suitability rather than mere availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include providing access by a user device of a network service including: sending an initiation signal to a SIP proxy server, initiating an application on the user device, sending QoS parameters for the user device and the application to a policy function server, sending a resource allocation request to a first access gateway, providing the network service in accordance with the QoS parameters, if the first access gateway can no longer provide the network service in accordance with the QoS parameters, determining a second access gateway that can provide the network service according to the QoS parameters, providing the network service to the user device via a link between the first and second access gateways, providing the network service to the user device via the second access gateway when communication between the user device and the second access gateway has been established; and closing the link.