NBIFOM Routing Rule Handling for Seamless IP Flow Mobility

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an efficient mechanism to provide IP flow mobility between 3GPP and WLAN access networks in a mobile communication system, particularly for handling loss or recovery of 3GPP or WLAN access in a 3GPP EPS system.

Innovation Solution

A network-initiated method for NBIFOM (Network-Based IP Flow Mobility) is implemented, where a UE receives a routing rule from the network, rejects it if the access type is not usable, and transmits information indicating when the access type becomes usable, allowing the network to update the routing rule.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UE receives and rejects a routing rule from the network in network-initiated mode, then the UE can avoid using an unusable access type, but the IP flow mobility cannot be established until the access type becomes usable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting rule acceptanceVSAvoidtime for access type to become usable

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The UE provides feedback to the network by transmitting information indicating that the access type has become usable. This feedback mechanism allows the network to update the routing rule and establish IP flow mobility without requiring UE-initiated mode switching, thus resolving the time loss while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the UE transmits information indicating that an access type is usable, then the network can update the routing rule efficiently, but the UE must maintain network-initiated NBIFOM mode which limits UE autonomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting rule update efficiencyVSAvoidUE autonomy in mode selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The UE performs a partial action by transmitting only the necessary information indicating access type usability, rather than fully switching to UE-initiated mode. This partial action maintains network control while enabling efficient routing rule updates, balancing productivity with controlled adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Extent of automation

If the network initiates the NBIFOM mode, then the network can control IP flow mobility routing, but the system complexity increases due to network-side control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork control over IP flow mobilityVSAvoidnetwork control mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential control function from complex network-initiated mode mechanisms, keeping only the critical element of network-controlled routing rule updates. By removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining network control capability, the system achieves automation without excessive device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3206436B1Method for transmitting/receiving signal related to nbifom in wireless communication system, and apparatus therefor

Publication Date: 2019.12.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for transmitting/receiving a signal related to network-based IP flow mobility (NBIFOM) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising the steps of: a terminal receiving a routing rule from a network, in network initiated mode in which the terminal cannot generate the routing rule; transmitting a rejection of the routing rule to the network; and transmitting, to the network, information indicating the availability of an access type included in the routing rule, when the access type included in the routing rule becomes available.