Offloading Point Device for LTE-WLAN Data Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WLAN networking modes are independent and do not support interworking with mobile communication networks, leading to increased network construction costs and periods, as well as limitations in handover and data offloading, which affects user experience and network efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A tightly coupled network architecture is implemented, where the WLAN is integrated as a part of the LTE mobile communication network, allowing WLAN to transmit user data and alleviate the pressure on cellular networks, thereby reducing construction costs and improving user experience through converged transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an independent WLAN networking solution is used, then the networking is simple and easy to deploy, but it does not support interworking with mobile communication networks and requires separate network construction increasing costs and periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the WLAN network with the mobile communication network by integrating the WLAN access point into the existing mobile network infrastructure. The WLAN AP is connected to the mobile network's serving gateway, allowing unified network management and eliminating the need for separate independent WLAN networking equipment and construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mobile communication network infrastructure serve multiple functions by enabling it to handle both traditional cellular traffic and WLAN traffic through a unified gateway. This multi-functionality allows the network to support interworking, handover, and data offloading without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Loss of time
If an independent WLAN networking solution is used, then deployment is quick, but network construction costs increase due to separate infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines WLAN infrastructure with existing mobile network infrastructure, allowing rapid deployment of WLAN services without requiring separate network construction. The WLAN AP leverages the mobile network's existing gateway and core network elements, reducing both deployment time and resource requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile network infrastructure serves itself by handling both cellular and WLAN traffic through its existing gateway and core network elements. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate dedicated WLAN infrastructure, reducing construction resources while maintaining quick deployment.
3Productivity
If WLAN is used to divert data traffic, then user experience is improved with higher transmission rates, but handover between WLAN and mobile network is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges WLAN and mobile network operations at the gateway level, enabling unified management of both networks. This integration allows the system to maintain high data transmission rates through WLAN while simultaneously supporting seamless handover between WLAN and mobile network based on signal conditions and network policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic traffic routing and handover mechanisms that can adaptively switch between WLAN and mobile network based on real-time network conditions, user location, and service requirements. This dynamic capability enables both high-speed WLAN transmission and flexible handover between networks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN is integrated into mobile network, then interworking and handover are supported, but network architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile network's serving gateway universal by enabling it to handle both traditional cellular traffic and WLAN traffic through the same interface and protocol stack. This multi-functionality supports interworking and handover capabilities while avoiding the need for separate dedicated WLAN gateway infrastructure, thus limiting architecture complexity growth.
5Reliability
If separate WLAN and mobile networks are constructed, then each network can be optimized independently, but overall network efficiency decreases due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges WLAN and mobile network management at the gateway level, enabling coordinated traffic routing, unified authentication, and joint optimization of both networks. This integration maintains the ability to optimize each network type while improving overall network efficiency through centralized coordination and resource sharing.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention provides a data transmission method, which includes: receiving offloading control signaling sent by a user equipment, where the offloading control signaling carries a cellular network identifier and a wireless local area network WLAN identifier of the user equipment; according to the cellular network identifier and the WLAN identifier of the user equipment, establishing a mapping relationship between the WLAN identifier of the user equipment and all bearer channels of the user equipment; and according to a data offloading manner determined by negotiating with the user equipment and the mapping relationship, the data offloading manner being used to designate all or a part, that is transmitted through a WLAN air interface, of user data flows in a downlink and/or uplink direction of the user equipment, determining a bearer channel corresponding to all or a part of the user data flows. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a corresponding device and system. Through the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention, a transmission rate of a system can be increased.