Network-Centric LTE-WLAN Steering via eNB Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE-WLAN interworking approaches lack efficient network control for traffic steering, leading to suboptimal data transmission rates and inefficient resource utilization due to reliance on UE-centric methods and inadequate handling of dynamically varying radio conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network-centric internetworking (NCIWK) with enhanced capability negotiation, UE assistance information exchange, and traffic steering commands that include detailed WLAN association information, allowing eNBs to dynamically control UE traffic steering and optimize WLAN association for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UE-centric traffic steering method is used, then implementation simplicity is improved, but network control capability and resource utilization efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the eNB acts as a mediator between the UE and WLAN network. The eNB receives traffic steering requests from the core network, evaluates local radio conditions and UE states, and makes final steering decisions. This intermediary role enables both simplified UE implementation and enhanced network control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If RAN assisted interworking is implemented, then UE centric control is improved, but network control and access network utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional control direction by implementing network-centric traffic steering. Instead of the UE autonomously deciding traffic steering based on local measurements, the eNB receives steering requests from the core network and makes centralized decisions based on both network-wide and local conditions. This inversion enables improved access network utilization while maintaining UE centric measurement capabilities.
3Device complexity
If steering decisions are based only on UE PHY layer measurements, then measurement simplicity is improved, but transmission efficiency and data rate deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple information sources for traffic steering decisions: UE PHY layer measurements (RSSI, RSRP), UE assistance information (power preference, speed, on-going flows), and eNB-evaluated radio conditions. By combining these diverse measurement and information sources at the eNB, the system achieves improved transmission efficiency and data rates while maintaining the simplicity of UE-side PHY measurements.
4Loss of information
If traffic steering is controlled without detailed WLAN association information, then signaling overhead is reduced, but steering precision and optimization capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic steering control into two parts: (1) UE assists by providing basic measurement information and preferences, and (2) eNB provides detailed steering commands including target AP identification, channel direction information, and flow-specific parameters. This segmentation enables precise steering control with optimized signaling overhead by dividing information collection and decision-making between UE and eNB.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for finer control for WLAN association. In one novel aspect, an enhanced NCWIK capability negotiation, an UE assistance information exchange, and an enhanced steering command are performed. In one embodiment, the enhanced NCIWK capacity negotiation includes additional UE information for fine selection. In another embodiment, the UE assistance information is sent to the eNB in addition to the measurement report. The UE assistance information is configured by the eNB. In yet another embodiment, the enhanced traffic steering command includes information of a target AP and one or more target channels. In one embodiment, the enhanced traffic steering command further includes channel direction information. In another novel aspect, the UE selects different UL and DL channels based on the received enhanced traffic steering command. In one embodiment, the UL and DL channels for the UE are different channels from the same AP or from different RATs.