Convergence Control Apparatus for Seamless Cellular-WLAN Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network communication systems experience temporary service flow interruptions and inconsistent user experience when switching between different communications standards due to differences in IP addresses, routing trails, and quality of service (QoS) between wireless cellular networks and WLAN networks.
Innovation Solution
A network communication method and apparatus that involves a convergence control apparatus at the data link layer, which receives an indication message to obtain and match a preset proportion of service data according to the current communications standard, adjusting for latency and transmitting using the corresponding data link layer, and dynamically decides on standard switching based on link performance parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If service flow switches between wireless cellular network and WLAN network on GGSN/PGW or WIC, then communications standard switching is enabled, but service flow interruption occurs due to different IP addresses and routing trails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a convergence control apparatus as an intermediary component that manages service flows during communications standard switching. This apparatus maintains service flow continuity by coordinating between different network standards (wireless cellular and WLAN) and preventing interruptions that would otherwise occur due to different IP addresses and routing trails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the convergence control functionality into a dedicated apparatus separate from the core network elements (GGSN/PGW or WIC). This segmentation allows the convergence control apparatus to independently manage service flow switching without affecting the core network architecture, thereby maintaining service continuity during standard transitions.
2Reliability
If resource reservation strategy is used in licensed spectrum, then quality of service is ensured, but spectrum resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic QoS management where the convergence control apparatus adjusts resource allocation and QoS parameters in real-time based on current network conditions and service requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain quality of service when needed while optimizing spectrum resource utilization during periods of lower demand, resolving the contradiction between guaranteed QoS and resource efficiency.
3Productivity
If shared competition strategy is used in non-licensed spectrum, then spectrum resource utilization efficiency increases, but quality of service cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The convergence control apparatus acts as an intermediary that implements QoS management mechanisms in the WLAN network (non-licensed spectrum). It coordinates resource allocation and service flow management to ensure quality of service is maintained while utilizing the efficient shared competition strategy of the WLAN spectrum, thereby resolving the contradiction between resource utilization efficiency and service quality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If QoS difference results from spectrum allocation strategies, then differentiated service management is enabled, but user experience consistency cannot be maintained during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes and mapping mechanisms where the convergence control apparatus translates and harmonizes QoS parameters between different network standards (wireless cellular and WLAN). By adjusting and normalizing QoS parameters during switching, the system maintains consistent user experience despite the inherent QoS differences resulting from different spectrum allocation strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a network communication method, including obtaining, by a second convergence control apparatus after receiving an indication message sent by a first convergence control apparatus, a preset proportion of service data from service data that the first convergence control apparatus needs to transmit and performing, by the second convergence control apparatus, parameter matching on the preset proportion of service data according to a system parameter of a current communications standard The method also includes transmitting, by the second convergence control apparatus, the matched preset proportion of service data by using a corresponding data link layer. The embodiments further disclose a network communications apparatus.