Heterogeneous Network Access Selection via Resource Reservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access-selection mechanisms in heterogeneous networks are inefficient, leading to suboptimal connection quality and service availability, as they rely on static priority ordering and do not guarantee the best data transfer rate or quality of service, resulting in potential service refusal or disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an access-selection server that reserves resources and negotiates with available network accesses based on dynamic criteria and user preferences, ranking and selecting the best access for connection, ensuring resource availability and quality of service from start to finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static priority ordering is used for access selection, then the selection process is simple, but the quality of service and data transfer rate are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access selection by allowing the terminal to switch between manual and automatic selection modes. In automatic mode, the network server dynamically determines the optimal access based on real-time conditions such as service requirements, terminal capabilities, and network status, rather than using fixed static priorities. This dynamic approach ensures both service quality optimization and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary that mediates between the terminal and multiple network accesses. The server receives access selection requests, evaluates various factors including service quality requirements and terminal capabilities, and returns optimized access selection information. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by centralizing the complex decision-making process while keeping the terminal operation simple.
2Ease of operation
If manual access selection mode is used, then user control is maximized, but service availability and connection quality are not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic switching between manual and automatic access selection modes. When service availability is at risk or when optimal service quality is required, the system can transition from static manual selection to dynamic automatic selection, where the network server determines the best access based on real-time conditions, thereby guaranteeing service availability while maintaining user control options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network server provides access selection information to the terminal based on evaluated service requirements and network conditions. The terminal can use this feedback to make informed decisions, and the system can adjust between manual and automatic modes based on service outcomes, ensuring both user control and service reliability.
3Productivity
If automatic access selection mode is used, then resource optimization is improved, but connection establishment time increases due to multiple exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the terminal pre-obtain a list of available accesses and their characteristics before connection establishment. The network server also prepares access selection information in advance based on service requirements. This preliminary preparation reduces the number of exchanges needed during actual connection, optimizing resource allocation while minimizing connection establishment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing automatic access selection only when and where needed, rather than universally. The system can switch between manual and automatic modes, applying the more resource-intensive automatic selection only when service optimization benefits outweigh the time cost, thereby balancing resource optimization with connection speed.
4Device complexity
If terminal-based access selection is used, then device complexity is minimized, but service quality optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary that performs complex service quality optimization calculations. The terminal maintains minimal complexity by simply requesting access selection information and following server recommendations. The server handles the complex evaluation of service requirements, terminal capabilities, and network conditions, thereby optimizing service quality without increasing terminal device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where the terminal provides its capabilities and requirements to the network server, which then returns optimized access selection information. This feedback mechanism allows sophisticated service quality optimization at the network level while keeping the terminal simple, as the terminal only needs to process and act on the server's recommendations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for accessing a service from a user's terminal (1) through a heterogeneous network (3) in which several access types (5, 7, 9, 11) are available. The method comprises the following steps: upon reception of a request outputted by the terminal (1) for accessing a service, selecting through an access selection server (17) an access of the heterogeneous network (3) for the terminal (1), said access selection step including a resources reservation step (61) at the selected access; and sending (65) a selected access identifier to the terminal (1) through the access selection server (17).