Generic Access Network Controller for Wireless Channel Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in providing seamless and cost-effective mobile access, with licensed systems offering low quality services at high costs and unlicensed systems limited by range and mobility.

Innovation Solution

The integration of licensed and unlicensed wireless systems through a Generic Access Network (GAN) using the UMTS Iu interface, allowing user equipment to register and activate packet transport channels seamlessly across both systems, enabling efficient communication via a single handset.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If licensed wireless systems are used, then mobility and coverage are provided, but service quality is inferior and cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice qualityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines licensed and unlicensed wireless systems into a unified access architecture where a single user equipment can seamlessly access both networks through a common interface. The GANC integrates A/Gb interface (unlicensed) and Iu interface (licensed) capabilities, allowing merging of previously separate access technologies into one cohesive system that provides high service quality without requiring separate expensive licensed infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The GANC is designed as a universal access point that supports multiple interface types (A/Gb and Iu) within a single device. This multi-functional architecture allows the same physical infrastructure to serve both unlicensed and licensed wireless networks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems and reducing overall system cost while maintaining high service quality through intelligent load management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If unlicensed wireless systems are used, then cost is reduced and service quality is improved, but mobility range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem costVSAvoidmobility range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between unlicensed and licensed wireless networks based on real-time conditions. When the user is within range of an unlicensed network, the system uses that lower-cost access; when moving out of range or encountering connectivity issues, it dynamically transitions to the licensed network to maintain mobility and coverage. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between cost and range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The GANC acts as an intermediary that bridges unlicensed and licensed wireless networks. It receives traffic from the unlicensed network (providing cost-effective local access) and routes it through the licensed network infrastructure (providing extended mobility range). This intermediary architecture allows both systems to contribute their strengths without requiring direct user awareness of the underlying network complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If seamless integration of licensed and unlicensed systems is achieved, then service quality and cost-effectiveness are improved, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice qualityVSAvoidnetwork complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network complexity into distinct functional layers: the GANC handles all interface management and protocol translation, while the user equipment maintains a simplified single interface. By segmenting responsibilities this way, the complexity is centralized in the network side where it can be managed professionally, while keeping the user side simple and unchanged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The GANC serves as an intermediary that absorbs and manages network complexity. It presents a unified simplified interface to user equipment while handling the complexity of managing both A/Gb and Iu interfaces behind the scenes. This intermediary architecture allows seamless integration of licensed and unlicensed systems without propagating complexity to the user equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If single interface access is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but system capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess simplicityVSAvoidsystem capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8005076B2Method and apparatus for activating transport channels in a packet switched communication system

Publication Date: 2011.08.23 RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

Some embodiments provide a method of registering a user equipment (UE) in a communication system that includes a licensed wireless communication system and a generic access network (GAN) that has a generic access network controller (GANC). The method sends a register request message from the UE to the GANC that indicates a GAN mode capability of A/Gb only for the UE. When the GANC has a GAN mode capability of A/Gb, the GANC registers the UE with the GAN. When the GANC has a GAN mode capability of Iu only, the GANC rejects the register request message. When the GANC has a GAN mode capability of both A/Gb and Iu, the GANC registers the UE based on a set of GANC mode selection rules that the GANC applies for registering UEs with the GAN.