Cellular-WLAN Interface Setup Access Mode Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proposals for LTE/WLAN Aggregation (LWA) result in a relatively inflexible system with signalling inefficiencies, particularly when attempting to set up LWA for user equipment (UE) in closed access mode WLANs, leading to failed attempts and unnecessary battery drainage due to inefficient set-up times.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a controller and transceiver in communication apparatus for cellular and WLAN systems that perform an interface setup procedure, transmitting and receiving messages to identify access modes of WLAN access points, allowing for more efficient interface setup and resource allocation based on UE membership status and access permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If LWA interface setup procedure is performed without access mode information, then the set-up process can proceed quickly, but the system flexibility and accuracy in determining accessible WLAN APs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining access mode information from the WLAN communication apparatus during the initial interface setup procedure, before LWA activation. This advance acquisition of access mode information allows the system to make informed decisions about UE offloading without delays during actual LWA operations, resolving the contradiction between quick setup and system flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If access mode information is obtained during interface setup, then system flexibility and measurement accuracy improve, but signalling overhead and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the access mode information exchange into the existing Xw interface setup procedure between eNB and WLAN termination. By combining access mode information transmission with the already-necessary interface setup messaging, the patent achieves accurate access mode identification without adding separate signalling procedures or increasing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If LWA is attempted in closed access mode WLANs without membership verification, then set-up attempts can proceed rapidly, but failed attempts increase causing battery drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing membership verification and access mode checking before initiating LWA data offloading attempts. The eNB obtains access mode information in advance and can determine whether a UE is permitted to access the WLAN, preventing futile offloading attempts that would drain UE battery while maintaining rapid successful setup when access is permitted.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication apparatus for a cellular communication system are disclosed. The communication apparatus comprises a controller and a transceiver. The controller is operable to control the transceiver to communicate with communication apparatus of a wireless local area network (WLAN) in pursuance of an interface setup procedure to setup an interface between the communication apparatus for the cellular communication system and the communication apparatus of the WLAN. As part of the interface setup procedure, the controller controls the transceiver to transmit an interface setup request message to the communication apparatus of the WLAN and receive, responsive to the interface setup request message, an interface setup response message including information identifying an access mode of at least one access point (AP) of the WLAN. The controller sets up the interface at the communication apparatus for the cellular communication system based on the interface setup procedure.