Heterogeneous Network Identity for 3GPP WLAN Offload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective coordination and control over user equipment (UE) offloading between 3GPP and WLAN networks, leading to difficulties in charging, traffic management, and quality of service (QoS) due to separate identities in each network, which complicates RAN-controlled offload authorization and charging models.
Innovation Solution
Assigning a heterogeneous network identity, such as a temporary offload identifier, to UE that is valid for both 3GPP and WLAN networks, allowing for coordinated access and offloading decisions, with the identity being used in Radius messages for authentication and accounting purposes, and including routing information to facilitate network coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate identities are used in 3GPP and WLAN networks, then each network can independently manage its own authentication and access control, but coordination and control over UE offloading between networks becomes ineffective, leading to difficulties in charging, traffic management, and QoS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal heterogeneous network identity (PTID) that functions across both 3GPP and WLAN networks. This single identity serves multiple purposes: authentication in both networks, offload authorization, charging identification, and traffic steering. The PTID is recognized and processed by both RAN and WLAN infrastructure, enabling coordinated control without requiring separate identity management systems.
2Ease of operation
If a common identifier like IMSI is used across networks, then UE identification becomes simplified, but it lacks the specific functionality needed for RAN-controlled offload authorization and charging model differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system into two distinct components: a permanent identifier (IMSI or other UE-specific ID) for long-term recognition, and a temporary heterogeneous network identity (PTID) for specific offload control functions. The PTID is assigned dynamically when offload is authorized and contains embedded information about the authorizing RAN node. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple UE identification while adding specialized functionality for offload control without modifying the core IMSI system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple extended unique device identifications are derived from a specific unique device identification, then multiple session registrations are achieved, but the system lacks effective coordination and control over UE offloading between different access networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the PTID as an intermediary identity that mediates between the UE and the heterogeneous network infrastructure during offload operations. The PTID is generated by the RAN when offload is authorized and is presented by the UE to the WLAN network. This intermediary identity carries implicit authorization information from the RAN, enabling the WLAN network to recognize and process offload requests without direct RAN involvement in every transaction. The PTID acts as a trusted mediator that simplifies inter-network coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus may be configured to determine a network identity that is valid for the first network and a second network. The method may also comprise assigning the network identity to a user equipment. The method may also comprise providing the network identity to one of the second network and a user equipment. The first network and the second network may be based on different technologies.