Distributed ANDSF Architecture for Mobile Network Handover Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF) solutions do not support distributed architectures across mobile telephony switching offices within a radio access network, nor do they effectively address the relationship between core network ANDSF servers and radio access network ANDSF servers, leading to inefficiencies in handling high data traffic and handovers between different MTSOs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that employs an enhanced S14 interface for communication between ANDSF servers and user equipment, providing Wi-Fi radio access technology data, security information, quality of experience, backhaul network bandwidth, and average throughput, allowing for dynamic policy management and handover between 3GPP and Wi-Fi radio access networks, with a distributed architecture that includes both core network ANDSF and radio access network ANDSF servers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a centralized ANDSF server architecture is used in the core network, then network control and management is simplified, but it cannot provide real-time local network conditions and creates handover delays when users traverse between MTSOs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork control and managementVSAvoidhandover delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ANDSF function is segmented into two parts: a centralized CNA server for policy management and multiple distributed RANA servers located at different MTSOs. Each RANA server handles local ANDSF operations for users in its coverage area, enabling real-time local decision-making while the CNA maintains overall control through policy distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The architecture adds a spatial dimension by distributing ANDSF servers across multiple MTSO locations rather than concentrating them in one core network location. This geographic distribution allows users to access the nearest RANA server, reducing handover delays when traversing between MTSOs while maintaining centralized policy management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If all data traffic is offloaded to Wi-Fi access networks, then congestion in 3GPP access networks is reduced, but it does not consider target network status, data type, subscription type, application type, or access network conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata offloading efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork selection adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts traffic steering decisions based on real-time network conditions. The enhanced S14 interface continuously provides updated information about Wi-Fi network status (BSS load, security, QoE, backhaul bandwidth, throughput) and 3GPP network conditions, allowing the ANDSF to adapt traffic routing decisions to current circumstances rather than using static offloading rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously to optimize traffic steering: BSS load indication adjusts based on Wi-Fi network congestion, security information adapts to network security policies, QoE parameters change according to application requirements, and backhaul bandwidth/throughput metrics dynamically adjust routing decisions based on current network capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the current ANDSF solution is used, then basic network discovery is supported, but it does not support distributed architecture across MTSOs, relationship between CNA and RANA servers, or efficient handover between MTSOs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoiddistributed architecture support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The enhanced S14 interface serves multiple functions: it provides the basic ANDSF discovery functionality while simultaneously supporting distributed RANA server architecture, enabling CNA-RANA server relationship management, and facilitating efficient handover between MTSOs. This multi-functional interface maintains implementation simplicity while adding comprehensive distributed architecture support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9319975B2Distributed access network discovery and selection function and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2016.04.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A system and method is provided for performing an access network discovery and selection function in a communication system. An access network discovery and selection function (“ANDSF”) server is operable with a Third Generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”) radio access network and a Wireless Fidelity (“Wi-Fi”) radio access network coupled to a core network. The ANDSF server is configured to communicate with a user equipment over an enhanced S14 interface. The enhanced S14 interface comprises Wi-Fi radio access technology data including a basis service set (“BSS”) load indication, security information, quality of experience information, backhaul network bandwidth and average throughput. The ANDSF server is also configured to provide policy information to the user equipment based on conditions in the Wi-Fi radio access network and the 3GPP radio access network.