Handover from Cellular to WLAN via IP Readiness Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, seamless handover from 3GPP to WLAN networks is challenging due to timing errors that can result in data loss, as the packet gateway may initiate handover before or after the mobile entity is ready to receive data over the WLAN, leading to packet loss on either network.
Innovation Solution
A method where a mobile entity receives a newly assigned IP address via EAP-AKA, configures its IP interface, and indicates readiness to a TWAN gateway, which then notifies the packet gateway to initiate routing of data packets through the TWAN only when the IP interface is ready, ensuring synchronized handover without premature or delayed data path switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the packet gateway initiates handover before the mobile entity is ready to receive data via WLAN, then handover speed is improved, but data loss occurs because the IP interface is not yet configured
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile entity performs IP interface configuration and readiness indication in advance before the actual data path switching occurs. The TWAG receives an indication from the mobile entity that the IP interface is ready, and only then does the P-GW initiate routing of data packets via the TWAN. This preliminary configuration action prevents data loss while maintaining efficient handover.
2Reliability
If the packet gateway waits until the mobile entity is fully ready before initiating handover, then data loss is prevented, but handover time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile entity provides feedback to the TWAG when its IP interface is ready to receive data packets via the TWAN. This feedback mechanism allows the network to synchronize the data path switching with the actual readiness state of the mobile entity, preventing data loss while minimizing unnecessary waiting time. The P-GW receives this readiness indication and initiates routing accordingly.
3Reliability
If the mobile entity configures IP interface and indicates readiness, then seamless connectivity is achieved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EAP-AKA' authentication protocol is extended to serve multiple functions: it not only authenticates the mobile entity but also conveys the assigned IP address and enables the mobile entity to indicate IP interface readiness. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling messages, thereby minimizing signaling complexity while achieving seamless connectivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Wireless communications in an integrated network handling data for multimode terminals receiving data over two or more different networks are disclosed. Different networks, including 3GPP and WLAN are disclosed. Mobile entities receiving data packets from a packet gateway are disclosed. Methods for handing off a mobile entity from a cellular wireless network to a trusted wireless access network (TWAN) are disclosed. Determining whether an Internet Protocol (IP) interface of a mobile entity is ready to receive data packets via a TWAN is disclosed. Indicating mobile entity readiness to receive data packets via a TWAN is disclosed.