Layered Wireless Network Selection for QoS Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks are inefficient and costly due to their 'one size fits all' approach, leading to quality of service issues as they struggle to handle diverse traffic types, with high data services being compromised by low data service overloads and increased signaling overhead, especially in 'anything to anything' networks.
Innovation Solution
A layered wireless network capability that allows for the selection of network layers based on service request characteristics, using a network layer selection server to balance traffic across multiple layers, optimizing the use of wireless and core networks by selecting the most suitable technologies for each service session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wireless network handles all traffic types, then network versatility is improved, but quality of service deteriorates due to resource overload from low data services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network into multiple virtual networks (MVNOs) that are logically separated but share the same physical infrastructure. Each MVNO can be allocated specific network resources and priority levels, allowing high data services to maintain quality of service while low data services utilize remaining capacity. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both versatility (handling multiple traffic types) and reliability (guaranteed QoS for each segment).
2Adaptability or versatility
If signaling overhead is increased to support diverse services, then service capability is improved, but network resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple virtual networks onto a single shared physical infrastructure with common core network elements. By combining MVNOs that share authentication, billing, and management functions, the system achieves diverse service capability without proportionally increasing signaling overhead. The shared infrastructure allows low data services to utilize remaining capacity without requiring dedicated signaling resources, thus maintaining efficiency while supporting versatility.
3Reliability
If core network capacity is increased to handle high data traffic, then high data service quality is improved, but cost effectiveness deteriorates due to underutilization by low data services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal network infrastructure that serves multiple functions and multiple virtual networks simultaneously. The same core network elements (authentication servers, billing systems, routing infrastructure) serve both high data traffic MVNOs and low data traffic MVNOs. This multi-functionality allows the network to maintain high capacity for data-intensive services while being cost-effectively utilized by low-data services during off-peak periods or through resource sharing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated infrastructure.
4Device complexity
If M2M networks operate independently, then network simplicity is improved, but overall network utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested architecture where M2M networks and MVNOs are embedded within the larger wireless network infrastructure. Rather than operating completely independently, M2M networks are nested as virtual networks within the shared physical infrastructure, accessing common core network resources. This nesting allows M2M traffic to be bundled with other low-data traffic, improving overall utilization efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces and shared management systems.
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AI summary
A capability is provided for supporting a layered wireless network. A method for supporting a service session for a wireless user device includes receiving a service request associated with the wireless user device (404), determining at least one characteristic of the service request (406), and selecting, using the at least one characteristic of the service request, one of a plurality of network layers available for supporting a service session for the service request (408). A network layer has a wireless access technology associated therewith and, optionally, also may have a core network technology associated therewith. The selection of the network layer for a service request may be performed within the network or performed at the wireless user device under the control of the network.