Load Steering Server for 3GPP Wi-Fi RAN Overlap Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for load steering between 3GPP and Wi-Fi RANs lack mechanisms to consider load and performance, leading to potential overload in Wi-Fi RANs and underutilization of 3GPP RANs, as user terminals switch without informed decision-making, and there is no inter-domain mechanism to detect performance deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating overlap information associating 3GPP RAN cells with Wi-Fi RAN Access Points, determining an off-load schedule based on load and activity patterns, and sending this schedule to the Wi-Fi RAN to manage user terminal attachment, thereby steering load between the networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If user terminals automatically connect to Wi-Fi RAN when in coverage, then connection speed is improved, but network load balance deteriorates causing overload in Wi-Fi RAN and underutilization of 3GPP RAN
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating overlap information and determining off-load schedules before user terminals make connection decisions. The server proactively identifies overlapping coverage areas and pre-calculates schedules indicating when Wi-Fi APs should reject attachment attempts to maintain load balance, rather than reacting after overload occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server receives activity notifications from both 3GPP RAN and Wi-Fi RAN, correlates user terminal activity across domains, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust off-load schedules. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt to changing network conditions and maintain optimal load distribution.
2Ease of operation
If user terminals make uninformed decisions to switch networks, then device autonomy is improved, but network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary between user terminals and network access points. Instead of terminals making completely autonomous decisions or centralized control managing every connection event, the server generates overlap information and off-load schedules that guide terminal behavior. Terminals follow the off-load schedule recommendations, achieving balanced network performance while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate management systems are used for 3GPP RAN and Wi-Fi RAN, then system independence is improved, but coordination capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The server provides universal functionality by handling coordination between 3GPP RAN and Wi-Fi RAN through a unified approach. It generates overlap information that associates cells with Access Points and determines off-load schedules that apply across both network types, enabling coordinated load management while preserving the independence of individual network management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect there is provided a method of enabling load steering between a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Radio Access Network (RAN) and a Wi-Fi RAN. The method comprises, at a server, generating overlap information associating one or more cells of the 3GPP RAN with one or more Access Points (AP) of the Wi-Fi RAN, wherein a cell of the 3GPP RAN is associated with an AP of the Wi-Fi RAN if it is determined that the cell overlaps with an area covered by the AP. The server then determines an off-load schedule for a cell of the 3GPP RAN, the off-load schedule indicating when an overlapping AP of the Wi-Fi RAN can reject an attempt by a user terminal to attach to the AP of the Wi-Fi RAN, and sends the off-load schedule to the Wi-Fi RAN.