Cellular Traffic Offloading via Wi-Fi Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular and Wi-Fi integration solutions face challenges in managing load and quality of experience (QoE) across networks, particularly in steering users between cellular and Wi-Fi technologies, due to differences in radio interface conditions and lack of native reverse control channels in Wi-Fi networks, leading to suboptimal network resource utilization and revenue loss.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor traffic load in cellular networks and provide information to mobile stations to switch from cellular to Wi-Fi mode, using a centralized Self Optimizing Network (cSON) to determine preferred Wi-Fi access points based on load thresholds and user conditions, enabling scalable real-time control and effective offloading of traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic is offloaded from cellular network to Wi-Fi network, then cellular network load is reduced, but network control and QoE measurement capability deteriorates due to lack of reverse control channel in Wi-Fi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement entity that acts as a mediator between the network and Wi-Fi users. This entity collects QoE measurements from Wi-Fi users and reports them back to the network, effectively bridging the control gap caused by the lack of reverse control channels in Wi-Fi networks. The intermediary enables the network to maintain control and measurement capabilities while traffic is offloaded to Wi-Fi.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where QoE measurements are collected from Wi-Fi users and reported back to the network. This feedback loop enables the network to monitor and evaluate the quality of service experienced by users on Wi-Fi networks, allowing for dynamic optimization of traffic steering decisions between cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
2Reliability
If real-time localized control is implemented for device steering between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, then user QoE is improved, but system complexity increases due to need to control millions of users individually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network control function into distributed measurement entities located at different geographical locations. Each measurement entity independently collects and processes QoE measurements for its local area, enabling localized control decisions without requiring centralized processing of all user data. This segmentation reduces system complexity while maintaining real-time responsive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables measurement entities to autonomously collect QoE measurements and make local steering decisions without requiring constant network intervention. The distributed architecture allows each measurement entity to self-manage its local traffic steering based on real-time conditions, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining effective localized control.
3Ease of manufacture
If traffic offloading policy is implemented without considering user location, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but network resource utilization deteriorates due to ignoring cell edge vs cell core differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different offloading policies based on the local characteristics of user locations. Measurement entities determine whether users are located at cell edges or cell cores and apply appropriate steering decisions accordingly. Users at cell edges are more likely to be steered to Wi-Fi networks where they would experience better service, while cell core users remain on the cellular network, optimizing overall network resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing load in a cellular communication network, within at least one cell that covers an area which overlaps an area that is at least partially covered by one or more Wi-Fi networks, comprises the steps of: (a) monitoring traffic load within the at least one cell; (b) providing information to a plurality of mobile stations operative in a cellular mode which are currently communicating via their respective at least one cell, to enable one or more of the plurality of mobile stations to switch to their Wi-Fi operating mode, wherein the plurality of mobile stations are capable of operating both in a cellular operating mode and in a Wi-Fi operating mode, and wherein said information indicates to the receiving mobile stations to perform a switch to its Wi-Fi operating mode; (c) for at least some of said plurality of mobile stations, switching their operation mode to Wi-Fi mode.