Unified WLAN Controller for CBRS-Wi-Fi Paging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional converged architectures for private LTE and Wi-Fi networks lack effective paging mechanisms and unified policy control, leading to inefficient wireless coverage and high costs for enterprises deploying Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) networks, as they require separate management layers and complex 3GPP radio/core network functions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a CBRS-Wi-Fi interworking and proxy function within the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) controller to translate LTE service semantics to Wi-Fi service semantics, enabling unified management and policy control, and providing paging support by determining the appropriate CBRS Access Point to page a UE device, even when Wi-Fi association is not available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate management layers are used for private LTE and Wi-Fi networks, then each network can be managed independently, but the device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of CBRS and Wi-Fi networks into a unified architecture where a single controller handles both network types. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate management layers while maintaining independent control capabilities for each network type, thereby reducing overall system complexity without sacrificing management effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle both CBRS and Wi-Fi network management tasks. By implementing a universal management platform that can perform functions across different network types, the system avoids the complexity of specialized separate managers while ensuring reliable independent management of each network through standardized interfaces and protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate LTE core networks are deployed, then full LTE functionality is available, but the operational costs and deployment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CBRS and Wi-Fi access networks under a unified core network architecture. This merging allows the system to provide full LTE functionality through the integrated core network while eliminating the need for separate duplicate core networks, thereby reducing deployment complexity and operational costs without compromising adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified core network is designed with multi-functionality to support both CBRS and Wi-Fi access types. This universal core network can handle diverse network requirements and provide LTE services across different access technologies, achieving full LTE functionality without requiring separate specialized core networks for each access type.
3Reliability
If paging mechanisms are implemented in converged architectures, then seamless communication is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a paging intermediary component within the unified controller that mediates paging operations between CBRS and Wi-Fi networks. This intermediary simplifies the paging mechanism by providing a standardized interface for page generation, forwarding, and handling, thereby achieving seamless communication without requiring complex distributed paging mechanisms across separate network infrastructures.
Data Source
AI summary
Paging for converged enterprise private Long-term Evolution (LTE) radio service and Wi-Fi access deployments may be provided. First, a notification in response to a User Equipment (UE) device being determined to be in an idle state may be received at a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) controller. A Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) Access Point (AP) to page in order to place the UE in a connected state may then be determined. Next, a paging request may be sent to the determined CBRS AP.