Base Station WLAN Connection via Mobile Device Identifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for establishing an Xw connection between a base station and a WLAN are complex and require network-based solutions, such as DNS lookup servers, which are not scalable and complicate base station functionality, especially for enabling inter eNB mobility where IoT devices may change serving WLANs.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows base stations to autonomously connect to a WLAN Termination (WT) node by obtaining a WLAN identifier from mobile devices, eliminating the need for DNS lookup servers, and enabling neighboring base stations to exchange WT node information for seamless handovers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network-based solutions such as DNS lookup servers are used to establish Xw connections, then connection establishment is possible, but device complexity and system complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidbase station functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the DNS lookup server dependency from the base station connection establishment process. Instead of requiring base stations to query external DNS servers, the system uses direct WLAN identifier reporting from mobile devices and autonomous connection establishment between base stations and WT nodes, eliminating the need for complex network-based resolution infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The base station autonomously establishes Xw connections to WT nodes using WLAN identifiers obtained directly from mobile device reports, without requiring external DNS lookup servers or complex network-based resolution mechanisms. This self-service approach simplifies the connection establishment process while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If DNS lookup servers are deployed for Xw connection establishment, then connections can be made, but scalability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidscalability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the scalability bottleneck of centralized DNS lookup servers by enabling distributed, autonomous connection establishment. Base stations directly obtain WLAN identifiers from mobile devices and independently establish Xw connections, allowing the system to scale without being constrained by central server capacity or complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If complex network-based solutions are implemented, then connection management is possible, but inter eNB mobility management becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection managementVSAvoidinter eNB mobility management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables target base stations to autonomously establish Xw connections to WT nodes using WLAN identifiers obtained during handover preparation, without requiring complex network-based resolution during the actual handover execution. This self-service mechanism simplifies inter eNB mobility management by reducing signaling complexity and enabling faster handovers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3456093B1Communication system
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 NEC CORP
  • EP3456093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3456093B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3456093B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system is disclosed in which a base station performs an Automatic Neighbour Relation (ANR) operation in relation to a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and obtains, from a mobile communication device (UE) or a Mobility Management Entity (MME), the Transport Network layer (TNL) address associated with a WLAN Termination node of the WLAN for establishing a connection between the base station and the WLAN Termination node.