LTE-WLAN Traffic Steering Coordination via Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face traffic routing conflicts due to the lack of coordination between high-level and radio-level solutions for LTE-WLAN interworking, leading to steering conflicts, especially in roaming scenarios where the steering policies of different networks override each other.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that determine whether to apply traffic steering rules for routing data traffic across LTE and WLAN networks, transmitting information to indicate the application of these rules, and using valid routing policies to decide on offloading data traffic, ensuring coordination between network-based IP flow mobility and user equipment traffic steering rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If radio-level traffic steering is applied to redirect data traffic to WLAN access, then network efficiency is improved, but traffic routing conflicts occur when high-level and radio-level solutions are not coordinated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network device receives information from the user equipment about whether it will apply traffic steering rules, and adjusts its behavior accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that radio-level traffic steering actions are coordinated with high-level routing policies, preventing conflicts while maintaining network efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information exchange mechanism between the user equipment and network device. The user equipment transmits information indicating whether it will apply traffic steering rules, acting as an intermediary signal that coordinates the actions of different network components and prevents routing conflicts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple traffic steering solutions are applied independently and simultaneously, then traffic routing flexibility is improved, but steering conflicts occur between different solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the decision-making processes of high-level and radio-level traffic steering solutions by establishing coordination mechanisms. The network device and user equipment exchange information to ensure that both solutions work together harmoniously, combining their flexibility while avoiding conflicts through unified coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal coordination framework that works across different traffic steering solutions. The information exchange mechanism serves multiple functions: it coordinates radio-level steering, communicates high-level routing intentions, and prevents conflicts, making the system adaptable to various steering approaches while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If traffic steering rules are applied without coordination information, then routing policy enforcement is improved, but network efficiency deteriorates due to steering conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the user equipment determine in advance whether it will apply traffic steering rules and communicate this information to the network device before actual traffic steering occurs. This preliminary coordination ensures that routing policies are enforced reliably while preventing efficiency-deteriorating conflicts.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for offload bearing. One apparatus includes a processor that determines whether the apparatus will apply traffic steering rules for routing data traffic on a first route across a first access network and a second route across a second access network. In some embodiments, the first and second routes may be different. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a transmitter that transmits information that indicates whether the apparatus will apply the traffic steering rules.