Dynamic Network Selection Configuration for Cellular RAN Traffic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network selection schemes in cellular communication systems lack flexibility, as they are often fixed and do not adapt appropriately to varying conditions, leading to inefficient traffic management between cellular RAN and wireless LAN networks.
Innovation Solution
A communication control method that allows user terminals to receive and apply network selection configurations from the cellular RAN, which can switch between different network selection schemes based on parameters such as traffic overload, frequent network switching, and specific rules provided by the ANDSF server or the cellular RAN, enabling dynamic adaptation of network selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed network selection scheme is used, then the system is simple to implement, but the system lacks adaptability to varying network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection by allowing the user terminal to switch between different network selection schemes (first scheme where terminal decides, second scheme where RAN decides) based on current network conditions. The terminal receives configuration information from the RAN that enables it to dynamically adapt its network selection behavior rather than using a fixed scheme.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the network selection system by introducing configuration information from the RAN that modifies how the terminal performs network selection. This configuration allows the terminal to adjust its behavior based on parameters such as network load, signal quality, and traffic requirements, transforming a static system into one that adapts to changing conditions.
2Productivity
If network selection is always decided by the user terminal, then the terminal has full control, but the cellular RAN cannot optimize traffic management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces configuration information as an intermediary mechanism between the RAN and the terminal. This configuration enables the RAN to influence terminal behavior indirectly, allowing the terminal to maintain operational autonomy while still benefiting from RAN-optimized traffic management decisions. The configuration acts as a mediator that translates RAN policies into terminal actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network selection decision-making process into two parts: the terminal evaluates local conditions and has the final say in network selection, while the RAN provides configuration information that guides this evaluation. This segmentation allows both the terminal's autonomy and the RAN's optimization capabilities to coexist effectively.
3Reliability
If traffic is always accommodated in the cellular RAN, then the cellular network maintains stability, but the traffic load on the cellular RAN increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic traffic distribution between cellular RAN and wireless LAN by allowing the terminal to switch network selection schemes based on real-time conditions. When the cellular RAN is overloaded, the terminal can utilize the wireless LAN for traffic offloading, thereby maintaining cellular network stability while reducing its traffic load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts excess traffic from the cellular RAN and redirects it to the wireless LAN when conditions permit. This extraction mechanism reduces the traffic burden on the cellular RAN while maintaining overall network connectivity and stability, effectively separating traffic management from a single-network dependency.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control is used in a communication system capable of using a plurality of network selection schemes for selecting, from a cellular RAN and a wireless LAN, an access network in which traffic of UE 100 is to be accommodated. The communication control method includes a step of receiving, from the cellular RAN by UE 100 existing in a cell included in the cellular RAN, a network selection configuration related to a network selection scheme decided by the cellular RAN from among the plurality of network selection schemes.