LTE RAN WLAN Offloading via User Preference Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to account for user preferences when routing traffic between LTE and Wi-Fi networks, particularly for non-operator controlled Wi-Fi access points, as the Radio Access Network (RAN) is not aware of user preferences for these access points, leading to inefficient data routing.
Innovation Solution
A method where a mobile device connected to a cellular radio access network indicates its connection to a preferred WLAN access point, and the cellular RAN stores the access point's identity and related LTE information, allowing the LTE RAN to deactivate LTE-WLAN aggregation and route traffic through the preferred WLAN access point, without requiring modifications to UE or WLAN devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the RAN is made aware of user preferences for WLAN access points, then traffic routing efficiency is improved, but device complexity and standardization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the UE application layer communicates WLAN access point preferences to the radio protocol layers, which then convey this information to the RAN. This intermediary approach allows the RAN to obtain user preferences without directly modifying UE or WLAN access point devices, thereby improving traffic routing efficiency while avoiding increased device complexity and standardization difficulties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UE application layer communicates preferences to radio protocol layers, then LWA can respect user preferences, but modification of UE functionality is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing multi-functionality of the UE's radio protocol layers, which already handle communication between the application layer and the RAN. By utilizing this existing universal communication pathway, the system can transmit WLAN access point preferences without requiring specific modifications to UE functionality, thus achieving LWA preference compliance while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Loss of information
If WLAN access points transmit connection information to LTE RAN, then RAN can make informed LWA decisions, but WLAN access point modification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the UE as an intermediary to obtain WLAN access point connection information. Instead of requiring WLAN access points to transmit information directly to the LTE RAN (which would require modification), the UE collects this information from the WLAN access point and relays it to the RAN through existing communication protocols. This approach makes WLAN connection information available to the RAN without requiring any modification to WLAN access points, thus maintaining ease of manufacture.
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AI summary
Methods to allow the interworking of cellular and WLAN networks, and in particular the offloading of data from a cellular network to a WLAN network. User preferences for non-operator controlled WLAN access points are communicated between mobile devices, the core network, and radio access network to allow offloading to respect those preferences.