Disaster Response Function for Wireless Network Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face service interruptions and disruptions during disasters, leading to challenges in maintaining connectivity and managing roaming services for users affected by network failures or outages.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Disaster Response Function (DRF) that enables notification of disaster conditions to wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) and roaming partners, allowing for authorization of registration with alternative networks without disaster conditions, using Disaster Response Incident IDs (DRIDs) to facilitate seamless roaming and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If WTRUs attempt to register with their home network during a disaster condition, then they can maintain service continuity, but the home network becomes overloaded and service interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary actions by identifying disaster conditions and proactively redirecting WTRUs to alternative networks before the home network becomes overloaded. The AMF detects disaster conditions through notifications from other networks or local determination, then initiates redirection procedures to prevent service interruptions caused by network overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the AMF acts as a mediator between WTRUs and alternative networks. The AMF receives disaster condition notifications, determines appropriate target networks, and facilitates the redirection process, allowing WTRUs to maintain service continuity without directly overwhelming their home network during disasters.
2Reliability
If WTRUs are redirected to alternative networks during disasters, then service continuity is maintained, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal notification mechanism where a single disaster condition notification from any network can trigger redirection to multiple alternative networks. The AMF maintains a list of potential target networks and can redirect WTRUs to any suitable alternative, reducing the need for complex, specialized procedures for each disaster scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of network selection by allowing dynamic modification of the target network list based on disaster conditions. The AMF can update the list of suitable target networks depending on the specific disaster situation, enabling flexible redirection without requiring complex hard-coded rules for each possible disaster scenario.
3Reliability
If WTRUs register with alternative networks during disasters, then service interruption is minimized, but roaming management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of disaster roaming management from individual WTRUs and concentrates it in the network infrastructure, specifically in the AMF. The WTRU simply follows redirection instructions to register with alternative networks using standard procedures, while the AMF handles the complex decisions about which networks are suitable targets and manages the roaming arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AMF monitors disaster conditions and continuously updates the list of suitable target networks. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing disaster situations, redirecting WTRUs to appropriate networks while maintaining simplified roaming management through centralized control rather than complex distributed decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method, implemented by a Wireless Transmit/Receive Unit (WTRU) registered to a first network, includes receiving, from the first network, information indicating a value to be used during a registration to a second network; and determining, based on at least the indicated value, at least a first start time and a second start time from which to perform the registration to the second network. The method further includes initiating the registration to the second network after the first start time; and on condition that the registration is not completed within a defined period after the first start time: (1) halting the registration to the second network, and (2) initiating a second registration or re-registration of the WTRU to the second network after the second start time.