Access Network Selection for Seamless 3GPP WLAN Traffic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a User Equipment (UE) simultaneously accesses both a 3GPP and a non-3GPP network, existing systems fail to effectively manage the connection and traffic transmission, leading to potential service quality deterioration and unexpected charges if the non-3GPP network connection is lost during data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow a UE to request and manage the selection of an access network for data transmission based on user preference and network conditions, using a network device to receive and respond to connection requests, ensuring seamless traffic routing between 3GPP and non-3GPP networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE simultaneously accesses both 3GPP and non-3GPP networks for data transmission, then network coverage and service availability are improved, but connection management complexity and service quality reliability deteriorate when non-3GPP connection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a 3GPP connection as a backup before the non-3GPP connection is lost. The network device proactively prepares alternative transmission paths and maintains connection states in advance, so that when the non-3GPP connection fails, the UE can immediately switch to the pre-prepared 3GPP connection without service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device acts as an intermediary between the UE and the two different networks (3GPP and non-3GPP). It manages the complex connection states, monitors connection quality, and automatically switches transmission paths. This intermediary function simplifies the UE's burden while ensuring reliable service quality through intelligent connection management.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the system allows automatic network switching for seamless transmission, then service continuity is improved, but control complexity and user choice flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic connection management where the network device continuously monitors the status of both 3GPP and non-3GPP connections and automatically adjusts the transmission path in real-time. This dynamic adaptation ensures seamless service continuity while the user can still access and modify preferences through a simple UI interface when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the network device monitors connection quality and transmission status, then automatically adjusts network selection based on this feedback. The UE also receives feedback about connection status and can provide input through the UI, creating a feedback loop that balances automatic control with user agency.
3Ease of operation
If the UE manually selects network for each transmission, then user preference and control are improved, but transmission efficiency and service quality deteriorate due to lack of automatic adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing 3GPP connections and preparing backup transmission paths before they are needed. This allows the UE to make simple manual selections without worrying about connection availability, while the system has already done the complex work of preparing multiple options in advance, ensuring both user control and transmission efficiency.
4Speed
If the system uses only non-3GPP network for data transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but service reliability and coverage worsen when non-3GPP connection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the advantages of both 3GPP and non-3GPP networks by allowing simultaneous access to both. The non-3GPP network provides high-speed data transmission when available, while the 3GPP network provides reliable coverage and acts as a backup. The network device intelligently combines these two networks to achieve both high speed and high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by maintaining a 3GPP connection as a backup before the non-3GPP connection is lost. This preparatory measure ensures that when the high-speed non-3GPP connection fails, the UE already has a stable 3GPP connection ready to take over, cushioning against service interruption and maintaining connection stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. Systems and methods provide a service that effectively transmits or receives data simultaneously using a 3GPP system, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), and a non-3GPP system, such as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), in a network where the 3GPP system and the non-3GPP system coexist. Particularly, this is a technology of selecting an access network through which data is to be transmitted based on a user's preference and a network condition so as to improve the quality of a service that a user experiences during data transmission.