GAN Network Selection via Universal Handover Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a standardized procedure for network selection and handover between Generic Access Networks (GAN) and Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN) spaces, leading to issues with user experience and call handover behavior, particularly in environments with varying levels of technology penetration and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A network discovery and selection method for user equipment (UE) devices that generates lists of available wide area cellular networks in multiple bands, correlates these lists to identify common networks, and selects a suitable network based on filtering criteria and preferences, ensuring seamless handover between GAN and PLMN spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual mode device integrates both cellular and WLAN capabilities, then the device can access multiple network types for improved service availability, but a standardized interworking mechanism between cellular network and WLAN is required to facilitate efficient handover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal handover mechanism that works across different network types (cellular and WLAN) through a common procedure framework. The UE uses the same measurement, reporting, and handover execution logic regardless of whether it's transitioning between cellular networks or between WLAN and cellular networks, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining multi-network capability
Solution Approach 2:
The network side (eNodeB or WLAN access network) acts as an intermediary that provides measurement configurations and handover commands to the UE. This mediator approach centralizes the complexity of interworking mechanisms on the network side, allowing the UE to use a simplified client-side procedure for handover execution across different network types
2Adaptability or versatility
If network selection procedures are implemented without standardization, then device manufacturers have flexibility in implementation, but user experience and call handover behavior vary in environments with varying technology penetration and deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover procedure into distinct standardized phases: measurement configuration, measurement reporting, handover decision, and handover execution. Each phase has defined messages and procedures that ensure consistent behavior across different deployments, while allowing flexibility in the specific implementation details of each phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based configurations (measurement thresholds, reporting intervals, handover margins) that can be adjusted by network operators to optimize handover behavior for different deployment scenarios. These parameter changes allow the standardized procedure to adapt to varying technology penetration and deployment environments while maintaining consistent procedural behavior
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a scheme is provided for network discovery and selection by a user equipment (UE) device that is operable in wide area cellular network (WACN) bands as well as in wireless access network bands. In particular, the UE device is operable to select a WACN that is accessible via a wireless generic access network (GAN) in addition to being able to access the WACN via the cellular network band.