Mobile Terminal Access Network Selection by Cellular Technology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems lack the ability to differentiate between various cellular access technologies when selecting the best network for service access, leading to suboptimal service quality due to the same selection policy being applied regardless of changes in cellular access technology, and failing to prioritize non-3GPP access points differently from 3GPP networks based on available technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method for mobile terminals to obtain and apply access network selection rules that classify and prioritize cellular and non-cellular networks based on their respective technologies, allowing for dynamic selection of the best access network based on current cellular access technology and available bit rates, and adapting to real-time congestion information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the same selection policy is applied regardless of cellular access technology changes, then the selection process is simple, but the service quality deteriorates because the policy cannot adapt to different network capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The selection policy is made dynamic by conditioning it on the detected cellular access technology. The mobile terminal adapts the selection policy based on real-time detection of cellular network type (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G), allowing the policy to change automatically according to network conditions without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple static policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection policy parameters are changed based on the cellular access technology detected. Different parameters (such as priority levels, thresholds, or selection criteria) are applied depending on whether the terminal is in a 2G, 3G, or 4G network, enabling optimized service quality for each technology while maintaining a unified policy framework.
2Measurement precision
If the ANDSF server provides a single selection policy for all cellular technologies, then the server implementation is simple, but the network selection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The selection policy is segmented into multiple conditional branches, each tailored to a specific cellular access technology (2G, 3G, 4G). The ANDSF server provides a structured policy that divides the selection logic into technology-specific segments, allowing accurate network selection for each cellular type while maintaining a unified policy delivery mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection policy structure becomes dynamic by incorporating conditional logic that adapts to the detected cellular technology. The policy transitions from a static single-rule approach to a dynamic multi-branch structure that automatically selects the appropriate selection criteria based on the current cellular network type.
3Reliability
If non-cellular and cellular networks are treated equally in selection, then the selection process is straightforward, but the quality of service deteriorates due to inability to prioritize based on technology differences
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality criteria and priority levels are applied locally to different network types (cellular vs. non-cellular) based on the detected cellular access technology. The selection process assigns different weights, thresholds, or priority rules to Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks according to their specific characteristics and the current technological context, enabling optimized quality of service for each network type.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for selecting an access network through which a mobile terminal accesses a communication network, comprising the following steps, implemented by the mobile terminal: obtaining, from an access network selection device, at least one access network selection rule ranking, in order of priority, a plurality of access networks including a cellular access network using a first cellular access technology, a cellular access network using a second cellular access technology and at least one non-cellular access network; detecting at least one wireless non-cellular access network and at least one cellular access network to which the mobile terminal can connect;selection of the highest priority access network, among the detected access networks, according to said at least one selection rule applied based on the cellular access technology of the detected cellular access network; and if the selected access network is a cellular access network to which the mobile terminal is not attached, attachment of the mobile terminal to said selected access network.