MHO-Module Handover Mediation for Seamless VoIP in Shared WLANs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current handover technologies in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) and mobile networks do not effectively support seamless communication for present-day WiFi or FMC telephones, particularly in shared WLAN environments, and lack features like tunnel-free relaying and convenience-information correlated commercial communication, which are essential for VoIP and other applications.

Innovation Solution

The 'netsurfing' method enables managed handover between real or virtual home networks and shared WLANs, utilizing a private and operator-controlled MHO-module that provides tunnel-free relaying and convenience-information correlated communication, ensuring legal security, cost reduction, and enhanced user experience by maintaining network openness and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional handover technology is used in WLANs, then handover between access points is possible, but seamless communication for VoIP and FMC telephones is not effectively supported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseamless communicationVSAvoidsupport for VoIP and FMC telephones
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an MHO-module as an intermediary component that mediates handover processes between terminal systems and access points. This module implements the MHO-specification to coordinate handover actions, ensuring seamless communication while supporting VoIP and FMC telephones. The MHO-module acts as a controller that manages the handover process, resolving the contradiction by adding a specialized mediation layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of handover by implementing a standardized MHO-specification that defines specific procedures and protocols. This specification modifies how handover is executed, enabling seamless communication and broader application support. The parameter changes include standardized message exchanges, handover decision criteria, and coordination protocols between network elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If tunnel-free relaying is implemented, then network openness is improved, but legal security and operator control are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork opennessVSAvoidlegal security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the MHO-module continuously monitors and reports handover status, terminal system information, and network conditions to operators and network elements. This feedback enables operators to maintain control and legal security while allowing open network access. The feedback loops ensure that tunnel-free relaying operates within controlled parameters, resolving the contradiction between openness and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If managed handover with MHO-module is implemented, then handover control and network quality are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover control efficiencyVSAvoidMHO-module implementation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the MHO-module and MHO-specification to be universally applicable across different terminal systems, access points, and network configurations. The standardized specification enables the same handover control mechanisms to work across diverse scenarios, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity. The universal design allows existing network elements to be utilized while adding controlled handover management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If convenience-information correlated communication is added, then user experience and commercial opportunities are improved, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidcommunication messages
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the MHO-module exchange convenience-information and commercial messages during the handover process itself, rather than requiring separate communication channels. This approach correlates information exchange with the necessary handover signaling, improving user experience and enabling commercial opportunities without proportionally increasing overall communication overhead. The preliminary exchange of information during mandatory handover signaling optimizes the message quantity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2923516B1WLAN-IAD handover process
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 SIGRAM SCHINDLER BETEILIGUNGSGMBH
  • EP2923516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2923516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2923516B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention regards a method for providing information to at least one of a first terminal system and a second terminal system, said first terminal system and second terminal system being connected through a network and which are subject to a potential, actual or completed handover process. The method comprises: providing to at least one of the first and the second terminal systems handover-relevant information about the potential, actual or completed handover process, said handover-relevant information including information about potential home/shared integrated access devices (IADs) in a reception area of an IAD of a home network to which the first terminal system is assigned.