Network Controller Redirection for Unlicensed Mobile Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack an infrastructure for determining the location of users accessing unlicensed wireless networks and redirecting them to appropriate network controllers, limiting seamless handoffs between licensed and unlicensed wireless systems.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that establishes a data communications connection with a mobile station, receives location information, and redirects the mobile station to a different network controller based on this information, using protocol conversion to facilitate seamless handoffs between licensed and unlicensed wireless systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If unlicensed wireless systems are used to extend coverage and improve data transfer rates, then service quality and cost efficiency are improved, but the ability to determine user location and redirect to appropriate network controllers is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidlocation information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an access point as an intermediary device that bridges unlicensed wireless systems and licensed wireless systems. The access point captures location information from mobile stations using unlicensed systems and forwards this information to network controllers, thereby preserving location information that would otherwise be lost in pure unlicensed systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The access point performs multiple functions: it provides unlicensed wireless access to mobile stations, determines their location, and redirects them to appropriate network controllers. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain both the high data transfer rates of unlicensed systems and the location management capabilities of licensed systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If unlicensed wireless systems with modest range are used, then higher quality service at lower cost is achieved, but mobility range and seamless handoffs are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice qualityVSAvoidmobility range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges unlicensed wireless systems with licensed wireless systems through access points. Mobile stations can seamlessly switch between unlicensed access (for high quality service when available) and licensed access (for extended range), combining the advantages of both systems to achieve both high reliability and extended mobility range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects between unlicensed and licensed wireless access based on current conditions. Mobile stations can transition between different network types as they move, allowing the system to adapt to changing location and service requirements, thereby extending effective mobility range while maintaining service quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If licensed wireless systems are used to provide extensive coverage, then mobility range is improved, but data transfer rates and service quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoiddata transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing mobile stations to access unlicensed wireless systems (providing high data transfer rates) when locally available, while falling back to licensed wireless systems (providing extensive coverage) when unlicensed access is unavailable. This creates a spatially varying service quality that optimizes performance based on location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If traditional landline connections are used to achieve high quality voice and data services, then service quality is improved, but user mobility is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice qualityVSAvoiduser mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The access point acts as a mediator that provides landline-quality service through wireless means. By bridging unlicensed wireless systems with landline-based networks, the access point enables mobile stations to receive high-quality voice and data services traditionally available only through landlines, while maintaining user mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7873015B2Method and system for registering an unlicensed mobile access subscriber with a network controller

Publication Date: 2011.01.18 RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

Redirection of mobile subscriber registrations using location information is described. In one embodiment, the invention includes establishing a data communications connection with a mobile station at a data communications network controller, receiving location information from the mobile station, and redirecting the mobile station to a different network controller based on the received location information.