Local Network Access via Service Area Identifier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing local network systems face challenges in accurately identifying coverage areas and managing policy control, leading to complex network management and reduced user experience due to frequent changes in wireless coverage and varying location areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and device system that includes user equipment, a base station, a public gateway, a local gateway, a network device, a subscription management device, and a policy management device, which enables accurate identification of service areas and performs policy control by providing a list of service area identifiers to user equipment, allowing seamless access and management within the local network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tracking area identity (TAI) is used to identify coverage area based on wireless coverage factors, then network coverage can be established, but the coverage area cannot be accurately aligned with local network boundaries due to frequent changes in wireless coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service area identifier that is independent of tracking area identity, effectively segmenting the location identification function from wireless coverage management. This allows service areas to be defined by administrative boundaries rather than being tied to dynamic wireless coverage zones, resolving the mismatch between coverage areas and local network boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new service area identifier as an intermediary layer between the wireless network and local network. This intermediary decouples the relationship between TAI and local network coverage, allowing independent management of wireless coverage and service area definitions, thereby simplifying network system management while improving coverage identification accuracy.
2Productivity
If tracking area is divided based on wireless coverage factors such as user density and geographical continuity, then wireless network coverage can be optimized, but it becomes difficult to ensure same coverage area as local network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location identification system into two independent components: tracking area identity for wireless coverage management and service area identifier for local network alignment. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific purpose without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The service area identifier serves multiple functions: it identifies local network coverage areas, enables policy control, and facilitates seamless access. By making this identifier universal and independent from TAI, the system achieves both wireless coverage efficiency and local network alignment.
3Reliability
If control policy for local network is changed frequently to match varying location areas, then accurate policy control can be maintained, but network system management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The service area identifier acts as a stable intermediary that mediates between dynamic wireless coverage changes and static local network policy requirements. By tying policy control to the service area identifier rather than TAI, policies remain stable even as wireless coverage changes, reducing management complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes service area identifiers in advance based on local network boundaries before wireless coverage changes occur. This preliminary action creates a stable reference framework that eliminates the need for frequent policy adjustments, simplifying network management while ensuring accurate policy control.
4Ease of operation
If tracking area identity is used for location identification, then wireless network operation can be maintained, but user experience in local network use is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system so that TAI handles wireless network operation while the service area identifier handles local network user experience. This segmentation allows each identifier to optimize for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The service area identifier serves as an intermediary that enhances user experience by enabling accurate local network identification and seamless access. It works alongside TAI without interfering with wireless network operation, thereby improving user experience while maintaining operational ease.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for accessing a local network and a device. The method for accessing the local network includes: subscribing, by a network device, to service area change information of user equipment, where the service area change information of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment enters or leaves a service area of the local network; receiving, by the network device, the service area change information of the user equipment; and performing, based on the received service area change information, policy control for the user equipment accessing or leaving the local network. In this way, access to the local network is accurately controlled, and is not affected by wireless network planning and adjustment, which greatly enhances user experience in use of the local network.