LTE to Wi-Fi Offloading via Dynamic ATSP Thresholds

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methodologies for interworking between Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Wi-Fi networks do not effectively address the issue of offloading based on radio characteristics and load scenarios, leading to underutilization of WLAN networks and suboptimal user experiences due to unnecessary scanning and power drainage.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that modify Access Technology Selection Policy (ATSP) threshold values based on radio characteristics and load conditions of the Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes, allowing eNBs to control Wi-Fi offloading dynamically by sending updated threshold values to User Equipment (UE) for efficient network selection and handover between LTE and Wi-Fi networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current 3GPP interworking methodologies are used at core network level, then interoperability between LTE and Wi-Fi is achieved, but WLAN networks are underutilized and user experience is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteroperability between LTE and Wi-FiVSAvoidWLAN network utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic offloading control where the eNB continuously monitors radio characteristics and load conditions, and dynamically adjusts offloading decisions in real-time. This allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions and optimize WLAN utilization dynamically rather than using static core network level policies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies ATSP threshold values as controllable parameters to optimize offloading behavior. By adjusting these threshold parameters based on radio characteristics and load conditions, the system achieves better balance between LTE and Wi-Fi utilization, resolving the contradiction between interoperability and network productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If unnecessary WLAN scanning is performed, then network selection is thorough, but UE power resources are drained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork selection accuracyVSAvoidUE power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring ATSP threshold values and radio characteristic monitoring mechanisms before actual handover decisions are needed. This allows the UE to make informed network selection decisions without performing exhaustive real-time scanning, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable network selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the eNB provides updated ATSP threshold values to the UE based on monitored radio characteristics and load conditions. This feedback loop enables the UE to optimize its network selection without unnecessary scanning, as it receives guided threshold information that reflects current network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If eNB controls Wi-Fi offloading based on radio characteristics and load scenarios, then network resource utilization is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidoffloading control mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ATSP threshold values as intermediary parameters that simplify the complex interaction between eNB and UE. These threshold values act as mediators that encapsulate complex radio characteristics and load condition assessments, allowing the UE to make offloading decisions without needing to process complex real-time network state information directly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the offloading control function by separating the monitoring and decision-making processes. The eNB monitors radio characteristics and load conditions separately, processes this information to determine appropriate ATSP threshold values, and then communicates these simplified threshold values to the UE for execution. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on any single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9661544B2Method and system for offloading handover of wireless connections from a LTE network to a Wi-Fi network

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The various embodiments herein provide a method and system for providing network offloading in a wireless communication. The method comprising includes obtaining an Access Technology Selection Policy (ATSP) from at least one of Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF), pre-configuration and Mobile Management Entity (MME), wherein the ATSP comprises of a plurality of radio access network selection criteria assistance default threshold values; modifying the ANDSF ATSP threshold values based on at least one of the radio characteristics and load conditions of the Radio Access Network (RAN) node by the RAN node; sending the modified ATSP threshold values to the UE; updating the ANDSF policy with the modified ATSP threshold values by the UE and determining offloading of the UE from a first radio access network to a second radio access network by the UE.