EPC Node WLAN Selection via Segmented ANDSF Management Object
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently selecting and utilizing wireless local area networks (WLANs) for user equipment (UEs) in 3GPP wireless networks, particularly in overlapping coverage areas of 3GPP and WLANs, due to limitations in access network discovery and selection functions.
Innovation Solution
An evolved packet core (EPC) node implements an access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF) using a management object with a WLAN selection policy branch that includes Hotspot 2.0 management object nodes, receiving capabilities and location information from UEs to generate access network information, facilitating efficient WLAN selection and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional ANDSF management object structure is used, then the system is simpler to implement, but WLAN selection efficiency and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ANDSF management object is segmented into distinct functional branches: a WLAN selection policy branch containing Hotspot 2.0 MO nodes for WLAN-specific selection criteria, and an inter-system mobility policy branch for 3GPP access network selection. This segmentation allows each branch to specialize in its respective access network type, improving WLAN selection efficiency without overwhelming the system with a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional organization to the ANDSF MO structure by adding the WLAN selection policy branch as a separate top-level branch alongside the existing inter-system mobility policy branch. This dimensional change enables parallel processing and independent optimization of WLAN and 3GPP access network selection, resolving the contradiction between selection efficiency and structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the ANDSF MO includes comprehensive WLAN selection policies with Hotspot 2.0 nodes, then WLAN selection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The WLAN selection policy branch applies local quality by incorporating Hotspot 2.0 MO nodes with WLAN-specific parameters and selection criteria tailored to WLAN characteristics. This localized specialization within the branch structure enables accurate WLAN selection based on WLAN-specific attributes without requiring the entire ANDSF MO structure to be equally complex.
3Measurement precision
If the ANDSF server processes detailed capabilities and location information, then access network information accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ANDSF server performs preliminary processing of UE capabilities information and location information by organizing them into structured data formats before generating access network information. This preliminary action enables more efficient matching against the WLAN selection policies in the ANDSF MO, improving accuracy while reducing the time required for the actual selection process.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for wireless network discovery and selection support are described. In one embodiment, for example, an evolved packet core (EPC) node may comprise a processor circuit to implement an access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF) according to a management object that includes a branch comprising one or more policies to select a wireless local area network (WLAN), the processing circuitry to receive capabilities information and location information for a user equipment (UE) and determine access network information for the UE based on the capabilities information and the location information. Other embodiments are described and claimed.