HTTP Proxy for WiFi-LTE Traffic Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular networks face challenges in efficiently managing traffic between WiFi and LTE networks, particularly in controlling user access and optimizing quality of experience (QoE) due to lack of intelligent traffic offloading mechanisms, leading to increased operational costs and congestion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adaptive traffic management system, ATOM, which includes a network interface selection algorithm and an interface switching service, dynamically assigns users to the best available WiFi or LTE network based on signal strength and congestion levels, using a network HTTP proxy to avoid backhauling traffic and ensure seamless switching without requiring changes to existing LTE standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If intelligent traffic offloading to WiFi networks is implemented, then data transmission speed and user QoE are improved, but network congestion control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an HTTP proxy as an intermediary component that mediates between user equipment and the network. The proxy intercepts HTTP traffic, makes intelligent routing decisions between WiFi and LTE networks, and manages congestion control. This intermediary approach enables sophisticated traffic management without requiring complex modifications to user devices or network infrastructure, resolving the contradiction by centralizing control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the HTTP proxy continuously monitors network conditions, user equipment state, and traffic patterns. Based on this feedback, the proxy dynamically adjusts routing decisions, switches networks, and controls traffic flow. This feedback-driven approach enables adaptive congestion control that responds to changing conditions, maintaining high data transmission speeds while preventing network overload.
2Reliability
If seamless network switching is implemented, then user connectivity is improved, but backhauling traffic through LTE network increases operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The HTTP proxy performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing connections and pre-processing traffic routing decisions. When a user equipment needs network switching, the proxy has already prepared alternative paths and can execute seamless switching without requiring real-time backhauling through LTE. This preliminary preparation enables connectivity maintenance while avoiding costly real-time LTE backhauling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts HTTP traffic handling from the general network routing function and processes it separately through the dedicated HTTP proxy. By taking out HTTP traffic specifically, the system can optimize its handling - routing it through WiFi when possible without requiring LTE backhaul, while other traffic types continue normal routing. This extraction reduces operational costs by eliminating unnecessary LTE backhauling for HTTP traffic while maintaining seamless switching capability.
3Productivity
If adaptive traffic management system is deployed, then network resource utilization is improved, but device and network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HTTP proxy is designed as a universal component that handles multiple functions: traffic interception, intelligent routing between WiFi and LTE, congestion control, network switching, and cost optimization. By consolidating these diverse functionalities into a single multi-functional proxy, the system achieves high network resource utilization without proportionally increasing complexity. The proxy's universal design allows it to manage heterogeneous traffic types and network conditions using a unified approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for traffic management between a WiFi network and an LTE network that includes a network interface assignment module for determining from an operator side of the WiFi network and the LTE network a set of WiFi Access Points (APs) and LTE base stations for each user that provides a least a highest quality of experience for each of the users using input strength for all users to potential WiFi access points and LTE base stations. The system may further include an interface switching service (ISS) module that includes a control logic and a network HTTP proxy for delivering network switching instructions to devices of users. The control logic receiving instructions from the NIA module and sending signal to the devices of the users to switch from WIFI and LTE networks through the LTE network based upon signal strength of the users.