Heterogeneous Network Access Method Using Competing Groups

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous wireless networks, users are limited to being served by a single operator at a time, restricting their ability to freely select between different networks and access schemes, which discourages user experience and hampers network development.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that group access points into competing groups based on operator, technology, distance, or access rates, allowing users to select the most suitable access scheme dynamically, enabling concurrent service from multiple operators and optimizing access rates through differential gaming models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single access network is selected to serve a user, then network management is simplified, but user freedom to select between networks is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork management complexityVSAvoiduser freedom to select network
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network selection process into multiple independent competing groups, where each group contains access points from different operators. This allows users to freely select among groups while each group maintains manageable internal structure, resolving the contradiction between user freedom and management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic pricing mechanisms and real-time access rate adjustments within competing groups. Operators can dynamically adjust pricing and access parameters to attract users, providing user freedom while maintaining manageable complexity through automated dynamic optimization rather than static centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operators provide concurrent services, then user freedom and service quality improve, but network complexity and coordination difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcurrent service capabilityVSAvoidnetwork coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heterogeneous network into multiple competing groups, where each group independently manages access points from different operators. This segmentation allows concurrent services from multiple operators while reducing overall coordination complexity by localizing management within each group rather than requiring global coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces access overhead as an intermediary metric that mediates between multiple operators' access points. By using access overhead (combining pricing and access rates) as a common evaluation criterion, the system enables coordinated concurrent services without requiring complex direct coordination between all operators, simplifying the interaction mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If access overhead is minimized, then network efficiency improves, but service quality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access efficiencyVSAvoidservice quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters used to evaluate access points by introducing a composite access overhead metric that combines pricing parameters and access rate parameters. This allows the system to optimize for efficiency while maintaining service quality, as the composite parameter captures both cost and performance aspects rather than focusing on a single dimension that might compromise service quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3179784B1Access method and device in heterogeneous network
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 CHINA ACAD OF TELECOMM TECH
  • EP3179784B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3179784B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3179784B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Disclosed are an access method and device in a heterogeneous network for solving the problem that, in network selection of a heterogeneous wireless network, a user can only enjoy at any one time the service of one network and cannot simultaneously enjoy the services of different networks, the method comprising: dividing access points capable of providing a service for a user equipment (UE) into at least one competition group; and determining the access overhead of the competition group, and selecting for the UE, according to the determined access overhead of the competition group, a target competition group from the competition groups for accessing. A network multi-path routing and traffic distribution model is established, such that the UE can select different access methods, thus providing a new traffic operation mode for network development.