Auto Switching Function Server for Seamless WiFi Mobile Data Switchover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile data networks face challenges in seamlessly switching user equipment between WiFi and mobile data networks while providing policy and charging control, especially due to limitations in WiFi offloading that lack seamless session mobility and integrated policy and charging control.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that makes the mobile data core network auto-switching function aware, using a special access point name for data transfer through an ASF tunnel based on GTP-U, with deep packet inspection for service-aware policy and charging control, allowing seamless traffic toggling between mobile and WiFi networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If WiFi offloading is used to reduce data loading on mobile networks, then network traffic offloading capability is improved, but seamless session mobility and policy-based billing control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Auto Switching Function (ASF) server as an intermediary component that mediates between the mobile network and WiFi network. The ASF server receives data packets from the mobile network, determines the appropriate network interface (mobile or WiFi), and forwards packets accordingly. This intermediary enables seamless session mobility by maintaining a single data session while dynamically switching between networks, resolving the contradiction between offloading capability and session continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ASF server performs multiple functions: it acts as a gateway for data packet routing, a policy enforcement point for quality of service (QoS) control, and a charging mechanism for policy-based billing. By consolidating these functions in a single multi-functional component, the system achieves seamless session mobility while maintaining policy control and billing capabilities across both mobile and WiFi networks.
2Productivity
If WiFi offloading is used to reduce data loading on mobile networks, then network traffic offloading capability is improved, but integrated policy and charging control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ASF server serves as an intermediary that centralizes policy and charging control functions. Instead of requiring separate control mechanisms for mobile and WiFi networks, the ASF server enforces QoS policies and charging rules for all data packets regardless of the network interface used. This single point of control simplifies the system architecture while maintaining integrated policy and charging control across heterogeneous networks.
3Reliability
If seamless switchover between WiFi and mobile data networks is implemented, then session continuity is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ASF server acts as a centralized intermediary that manages all switching decisions between WiFi and mobile networks. Rather than requiring complex coordination between multiple network components or devices, the ASF server consolidates switching logic in a single location. This approach maintains session continuity through intelligent packet routing while minimizing network complexity by avoiding distributed control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method provides seamless switchover of a user device (UE) between a mobile data network and a wireless network while providing policy and charging control (PCC) of the data session in the mobile data network. A mobile core network component is made ASF aware to process user data traffic related to an auto switching function (ASF) server from a UE client located on the UE using a special access point name (APN). The mobile core network component then uses a dedicated deep packet inspection (ASF DPI) for all data transfers to the special APN. The core network component is then able to process the UE data traffic seamlessly as the traffic is toggled between the ASF tunnel the WiFi tunnel. By monitoring the data traffic on the ASF tunnel, the core component (GGSN/PGW) is able to provide PCC for the data session.