ANQP Server Cross-Network Query for Terminal Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current IEEE protocols lack a technical solution for a terminal to initiate a network information query when it is located in a network other than its home network, making it difficult for terminals to obtain necessary network information in real-time.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing an Access Network Query Protocol (ANQP) server that receives a query request from a terminal, interacts with various network devices such as AAA servers to obtain network information from a second network, and sends this information back to the terminal, enabling real-time access to network details even when the terminal is not in its home network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal queries network information when located in a non-home network, then the terminal can obtain network information of the second network, but there is no IEEE protocol defining this technical solution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal's ability to query network information in non-home networkVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an ANQP server as an intermediary component that mediates between the terminal and the network devices (AAA servers). The terminal sends queries to the ANQP server, which then interacts with the AAA servers to retrieve network information. This intermediary approach enables the terminal to obtain network information without requiring complex direct protocol implementations between terminals and multiple network devices, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If the terminal obtains network information through interaction between network devices, then real-time performance is improved, but the implementation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to obtain network informationVSAvoidsystem implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple network devices (AAA servers from different networks) into a unified information retrieval process coordinated by the ANQP server. Instead of requiring the terminal to interact separately with multiple complex AAA servers, the system combines their information through the ANQP server's coordinated queries and responses. This merging approach maintains real-time performance while reducing the effective complexity presented to the terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal is in a non-home network, then the terminal can access different network operators, but the terminal cannot obtain home network information using standard protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal's ability to access different networksVSAvoidnetwork information availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the traditional home-network-only information query model by adding a new dimension: cross-network information querying. The ANQP server enables terminals to query network information from networks other than their home network (second networks) by establishing communication pathways through the non-home network's AAA server to the home network's AAA server. This dimensional extension ensures that network information remains available regardless of the terminal's current network location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2876845B1Method and advertisement server for providing network information for terminal
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2876845B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2876845B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2876845B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to the communications field, and in particular, to a method for providing network information for a terminal, and a notification server. The method includes: receiving, by a notification server, a query request that is sent by a terminal currently located in a first network and is used for querying network information of a second network; obtaining, by the notification server, the network information of the second network from a first network device through an interface connected to the first network device; and sending, by the notification server, the obtained information of the second network to the terminal. The present invention has simple implementation and strong real-time performance.