ANDSF Neighbor Map Configuration via Terminal Reports
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for configuring the Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) with neighbor relations information across different access technology domains are cumbersome, error-prone, and costly, particularly when manually maintaining relationships between 3GPP and non-3GPP cells.
Innovation Solution
The ANDSF automatically configures a neighbor relations map using data reports from wireless terminals, which record and report neighbor relations during scans and transitions, with dynamic steering instructions to optimize data recording and reporting, minimizing redundant information and adapting to changing circumstances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration methods are used to maintain neighbor relations information, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but the complexity and cost of configuration and maintenance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing wireless terminals to automatically discover and report their own neighbor cell relationships to the ANDSF. The terminals perform scans, identify neighboring cells across different access technologies, and autonomously report this information, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accuracy through real-world operational data.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback mechanisms where wireless terminals continuously monitor and report neighbor relations information to the ANDSF. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically update and maintain accurate neighbor relations maps based on actual terminal observations and handover experiences, ensuring configuration accuracy without manual intervention.
2Loss of information
If manual configuration methods are used to maintain neighbor relations information, then configuration completeness can be achieved, but the time and resources required for maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous collection and updating of neighbor relations information through ongoing terminal scans and reports. As terminals move through different locations and perform handovers, they continuously discover and report new neighbor relationships, maintaining information completeness without periodic manual updates or configuration interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless terminals autonomously perform the information collection task by scanning for neighboring cells and automatically reporting findings to the ANDSF. This self-service approach eliminates the time-consuming manual configuration process while ensuring comprehensive coverage of neighbor relations as terminals naturally traverse the network.
3Measurement precision
If wireless terminals continuously scan for access networks, then access information accuracy is improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic scanning and reporting instead of continuous operation. Terminals perform scans at intervals triggered by specific events such as handovers or cell reselections, and report information periodically or when changes occur. This periodic approach maintains access information accuracy by capturing relevant updates while significantly reducing battery power consumption compared to continuous scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism allows terminals to report information selectively based on actual changes in neighbor relations. Terminals monitor for changes and only transmit reports when meaningful updates occur, such as discovering new neighbors or experiencing handovers. This event-driven feedback approach maintains information accuracy while minimizing unnecessary transmissions and power consumption.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive neighbor relations data is collected from all terminals, then map accuracy is improved, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by having different terminals perform scanning and reporting based on their specific locations, capabilities, and operational contexts. Not all terminals need to scan all cell types continuously - each terminal contributes data relevant to its local environment and access technology capabilities. This localized approach improves map accuracy in specific regions while reducing overall system resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by having terminals report only the specific neighbor relations data relevant to their observations and capabilities. Terminals report partial information sets focused on their local neighbor relationships rather than attempting to collect and report all possible data. This partial reporting approach maintains sufficient map accuracy for local decision-making while reducing system resource consumption from processing and transmitting excessive data.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to automatically configuring a map of inter- access technology neighbor relations. In this neighbor relations map configured by an ANDSF, relationships between neighboring cells of differing access networks of the same or different access technologies are maintained including extra-domain and non-domain neighbor relationships. A domain refers to a domain of one or more access technologies in which ANDSF is not required for intra-domain access selection and discovery. ANDSF configures the map based on neighbor relations data reports from wireless terminals, which record the neighbor relations data as they perform extra-domain or non-domain handovers or reselections or as they scan their surroundings. ANDSF provides steering instructions to configure the neighbor relations data recording and reporting behaviors of the wireless terminals. ANDSF provides access network discovery and selection information, which indicates availability of non-domain accesses, and in some cases domain accesses, to wireless terminals based on their locations.