Mobile Device Policy-Based Interface Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for offloading high bandwidth traffic from cellular networks to alternative networks like WiFi are complex, costly, and do not seamlessly manage Quality of Service (QoS) across different technologies and equipment manufacturers, leading to network congestion and increased operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with a control module that dynamically adapts data transfer based on policies received from network operators or service providers, switching between cellular and WiFi interfaces to optimize data transmission and manage traffic load, thereby reducing network congestion and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traffic offloading from cellular to WiFi networks is implemented using conventional methods (GAN/UMA), then network congestion is reduced, but device complexity and implementation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the policy decision-making function from the network infrastructure and places it directly in the mobile device. The device autonomously receives policy information from the network and independently decides when to switch between cellular and WiFi interfaces, eliminating the need for complex GAN/UMA infrastructure while achieving traffic offloading.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs self-service by autonomously managing its own traffic offloading decisions. The device receives policy guidance from the network but independently evaluates local conditions (WiFi availability, signal quality) and makes switching decisions without requiring external control infrastructure, thereby simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If seamless switching between cellular and WiFi networks is achieved using GAN/UMA, then Quality of Service is maintained, but operational costs and infrastructure investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device universally capable of operating on multiple network interfaces (cellular and WiFi) with a single integrated solution. The device uses its existing multi-interface capability combined with policy-based control to achieve seamless switching, eliminating the need for operator-specific GAN/UMA infrastructure and reducing implementation costs while maintaining QoS.
3Quantity of substance
If network operators implement traffic offloading solutions, then network capacity is preserved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the device monitor and evaluate only relevant policy conditions and local network states rather than continuously managing all aspects of traffic offloading. The device selectively activates WiFi interface based on policy triggers and local conditions, avoiding excessive power consumption while still achieving network capacity preservation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If policy-based control is implemented in mobile devices, then network operator control is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces policy information as an intermediary between the network operator and the device's interface selection logic. The network sends high-level policy guidelines rather than direct control commands, and the device interprets these policies based on local conditions, maintaining operator control flexibility while keeping device processing simple through rule-based decision making.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide the ability to use policy defined by the operator to control the interfaces on which data is sent and received by a device. The policy can be dynamically updated by the operator, by pushing new policy to the device for implementation. The policy can define that the device should switch certain data between two or more available interfaces at certain times, or may define when certain data may be sent or received over a particular interface. Advantageously, the device may receive new policy from the operator in order to help with the operator's own operational objectives. For example, the operator may be engaging in traffic shaping or other traffic limitation, for example to ease congestion or enforce service agreements. To support this a policy which implements corresponding traffic limitation or shaping on the air interface between the mobile device and network base stations can be sent to the mobile device. This will have the effect of reducing signaling congestion on the air-interface.