Access Network Discovery and Selection for Wireless Handoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently handoff or offload user equipment (UEs) between cellular networks and wireless local area networks (WLANs), and in directing traffic across multiple networks effectively.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a user equipment (UE) that uses information received from radio access networks (RANs) or WLANs to identify a preferred access network. This information includes access network assistance information, steering policies, or access commands, which the UE can use to resolve conflicts and make informed network selection decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static policies are used for UE to access WLAN, then network operation is simplified, but network adaptability and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection by enabling UEs to autonomously evaluate multiple access networks (cellular and WLAN) based on real-time conditions and switch between them. This transforms the static policy-based approach into a dynamic system where network selection adapts to changing network states, user requirements, and environmental conditions, thereby improving network access adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If manual network selection is used, then network control precision is improved, but user operation convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to perform self-service network selection by autonomously evaluating available access networks, comparing their characteristics against user profiles and current conditions, and automatically selecting the most appropriate network. This eliminates the need for manual user intervention while maintaining precise network selection through sophisticated evaluation algorithms that consider multiple parameters including network load, signal quality, user preferences, and service requirements.
3Device complexity
If basic ANDSF policies are used, then policy management is simplified, but network selection efficiency and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances basic ANDSF policies by introducing multiple dimensions of parameters including user profiles with individual preferences, real-time network conditions (load, signal quality), service-type requirements, and contextual information. This transforms the simple policy framework into a multi-parameter evaluation system that significantly improves network selection efficiency and accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through structured parameter organization and automated processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards devices and methods for identifying preferred access networks based at least in part on access network information including access network assistance information, steering policies, or access commands. In some embodiments, conflicts between access network information and access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF) policies may be rectified in identifying a preferred access network.