Traffic Steering via ANDSF Policy Validation in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 3GPP LTE networks, traffic steering is inefficient due to collisions between interworking policies configured by the terminal, leading to suboptimal processing of traffic across 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a user equipment (UE) transmits access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF)-related information to the network, receiving traffic steering information, and steers traffic based on this information, allowing the UE to reflect its preferences and avoid irreconcilable interworking policies, thereby improving traffic processing rates and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal configures multiple interworking policies for traffic steering, then traffic can be routed through multiple access networks, but collisions between traffic steering rules occur causing inefficient or failed traffic processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic steering control into two parts: the terminal configures multiple interworking policies locally, but the network validates and selects which policies to apply. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the terminal to maintain versatile policy configurations while the network ensures reliable conflict-free execution through centralized policy management and validation.
2Ease of operation
If the terminal independently manages interworking policies, then traffic steering can be performed, but collisions between rules from different policies cause processing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The network acts as an intermediary between the terminal's multiple interworking policies. The terminal sends its preferred policies to the network, which then validates, reconciles, and selects compatible policies before applying them. This intermediary role enables the terminal to operate with versatile policy options while ensuring reliable conflict resolution through network-mediated policy management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple traffic steering rules are provided to the terminal, then more routing options are available, but the terminal cannot normally perform traffic steering due to rule collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic policy management where the network validates and selects from the terminal's multiple interworking policies based on current network conditions and policy compatibility. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain diverse routing options while efficiently selecting conflict-free policy combinations, resolving the contradiction between versatility and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a user equipment (UE) are provided for steering traffic within a visitor public land mobile network (VPLMN) in a wireless communication system. The UE transmits to a network, access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF)-related information comprising information on at least one of a home ANDSF (H-ANDSF) configured by a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) or a visitor ANDSF (V-ANDSF) configured by the VPLMN. The UE receives, from the network, traffic steering information which is generated by the network based on the ANDSF-related information, and steers traffic based on the received traffic steering information. The ANDSF-related information indicates whether the H-ANDSF or the V-ANDSF is an enhanced ANDSF. When the ANDSF-related information indicates that the H-ANDSF or the V-ANDSF is the enhanced ANDSF, the traffic steering information comprises a radio access network (RAN) rule parameter corresponding to a RAN rule configured by the network.