eNB WLAN Integration via Packet Scheduling and QoS Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless networks face challenges in efficiently integrating Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs) with Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs, leading to network congestion, poor user experience, and service interruptions due to inadequate consideration of load conditions, mobility, and Quality of Service (QoS) management across licensed and unlicensed spectrum.
Innovation Solution
The method involves network elements like eNBs and WLAN APs performing packet-level scheduling and QoS attribute mapping between WWANs and WLANs, enabling tighter integration with minimal impact on the WWAN core network and maintaining QoS across both networks by using 'Glue-1' protocol messages for data packet transmission and QoS configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN is integrated as a separate access network to the EPC, then dual mode devices can access both licensed and unlicensed spectrum, but operational and capital expenditures increase due to maintaining a separate WLAN radio access network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the WLAN radio access network with the WWAN radio access network by integrating the WLAN access controller into the eNB structure. This allows the eNB to control both WWAN and WLAN access points, enabling dual mode operation while eliminating the need for a completely separate WLAN management infrastructure, thus reducing operational and capital expenditures.
Solution Approach 2:
The eNB is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating WLAN access control capabilities alongside its traditional WWAN functions. The single network element can now manage both licensed and unlicensed spectrum access, providing universal control over heterogeneous radio access networks without requiring separate specialized equipment.
2Productivity
If packet-level scheduling is implemented between WWAN and WLAN, then bandwidth usage is optimized, but the complexity of QoS management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism that translates QoS parameters between WWAN and WLAN domains. The eNB acts as a mediator that receives QoS requirements from the core network, maps them to appropriate WLAN QoS parameters, and enforces them on the WLAN access points. This intermediary layer simplifies QoS management by providing a unified view while handling the complexity of cross-domain parameter mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes QoS parameters based on the active radio access network type. When a device switches between WWAN and WLAN, the eNB adjusts QoS parameters such as priority levels, bandwidth allocations, and latency requirements to match the characteristics of the current network, enabling efficient packet-level scheduling while adapting to different network conditions.
3Reliability
If tighter integration of WWAN and WLAN is performed, then user experience is improved with minimal impact on core network, but the complexity of coordination between networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network coordination functions by separating core network operations from access network operations. The eNB handles all complex coordination tasks between WWAN and WLAN, including handover management, load balancing, and QoS mapping, while the core network (EPC) continues to operate with minimal changes. This segmentation isolates coordination complexity to the access network layer, protecting the core network from complexity while enabling tight integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments presented in this disclosure relate to methods and apparatuses (such as Access Points (AP's), evolved NodeB's (eNB's), etc.) for use in aggregation, or integration, between a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) and a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). In one embodiment, an eNB decides that an aggregation between the WWAN and the WLAN is to be performed for at least one bearer of one or more bearers associated with a specific UE. Next, the eNB identifies which one(s) of the at least one bearer of the specific UE that is/are to be aggregated between the WWAN and the WLAN. Also, the eNB schedules each one of the at least one bearer identified to be aggregated between the WWAN and the WLAN.