Femtocell Gateway Integration with Macro Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in providing seamless integration of voice and data services across licensed and unlicensed wireless systems, with limitations in resource availability and mobility, leading to inferior quality and high costs in licensed systems, and restricted range in unlicensed systems.
Innovation Solution
A communication system architecture that includes a core network communicatively coupled to both licensed and unlicensed networks, using a network controller and access points to manage area identifiers and authenticate user equipment, enabling transparent access to voice and data services without modifying user equipment or network components, and allowing seamless transitions between licensed and unlicensed networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If licensed wireless systems are used to provide mobile wireless communications, then coverage area and network infrastructure are improved, but service quality and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network into macro cells (licensed systems for broad coverage) and femto cells (unlicensed systems for high-quality local access). This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize for its specific function: macro cells provide wide-area coverage while femto cells deliver high-quality voice and data services to local users, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the femto cell gateway and network controller) that mediates between the unlicensed femto cell network and the licensed macro network. This intermediary enables seamless handovers and resource sharing, allowing users to access high-quality services through femto cells while maintaining connectivity to the broader licensed network infrastructure.
2Reliability
If unlicensed wireless systems are used to provide mobile access, then service quality and cost are improved, but mobility range and coverage area deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges unlicensed wireless systems (femto cells) with licensed wireless systems (macro network) into a hybrid architecture. The femto cell gateway combines unlicensed wireless access with licensed network connectivity, enabling users to enjoy high-quality services from unlicensed systems while extending mobility range through integration with the broader licensed network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal access platform where the femto cell gateway can serve multiple functions: providing wireless access through unlicensed spectra, maintaining licensed network connectivity, enabling seamless handovers, and supporting both voice and data services. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different service quality and coverage requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seamless integration of licensed and unlicensed systems is implemented, then service continuity and accessibility are improved, but network complexity and resource management difficulty deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the network controller automatically manages resource allocation, authentication, and handovers between licensed and unlicensed systems without requiring complex manual configuration. The system autonomously monitors available resources in both networks and dynamically assigns them to users based on current conditions, reducing operational complexity while maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in area identifiers and network registration states to manage the complexity of integration. By dynamically updating these parameters during handovers and resource allocation, the system achieves seamless service continuity while keeping the underlying complexity managed through standardized parameter transformations rather than complex processing logic.
4Reliability
If area identifier translation is implemented for seamless access, then user authentication and resource sharing are improved, but processing time and system overhead deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring area identifier mappings and authentication parameters in the network controller before users attempt to access services. This pre-prepared configuration allows for rapid authentication and resource allocation when users connect, minimizing processing time while maintaining reliable user authentication through established identifier translation rules.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention provide a communication system that includes a first communication network, a second communication network, and a core network. The second communication network includes a network controller and a group of two or more access areas that are communicatively coupled to the core network by the network controller. Some embodiments service the second network access areas by providing access area identifiers to each access area while communicating with the first network or core network using a single are identifier assigned to the network controller. Some embodiments provide access control by sending a series of invalid messages to a user equipment (UE) that is not authorized to access services of the second network to reject the UE. Some embodiments reject the UE by sending a message to ban a UE from an access area with a particular access area identifier.