Network Partition ID Storage for Inter-Access Handover Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network partitioning solutions fail to ensure consistent network partition selection across different access technologies, such as 3GPP and WLAN, during inter-access handovers, leading to potential disruptions in service due to differing selection mechanisms and lack of support for non-3GPP accesses.
Innovation Solution
A method where a network partition ID is obtained and stored when a user equipment (UE) connects via one access technology, allowing the same partition to be selected when the UE moves to another access technology, ensuring continuity by using the stored ID for network partition selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network partition selection is performed separately for each access technology (3GPP and WLAN), then each access can be optimized independently, but network partition consistency is lost during inter-access handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing the network partition ID when the UE initially attaches to the network via any access technology (3GPP or WLAN). This pre-stored partition ID is then retrieved and applied when the UE performs handover to a different access technology, ensuring partition consistency without requiring re-selection. The HSS stores the partition ID in advance, and the MME retrieves it during handover procedures, preventing service disruptions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different network partition selection mechanisms are used for 3GPP and WLAN accesses, then each access type can be tailored to its specific requirements, but service continuity is disrupted during handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the HSS (Home Subscriber Server) that acts as a central storage for network partition IDs. The HSS serves as a mediator between the MME (Mobility Management Entity) and the UE during handover procedures. When the UE attaches via one access type, the HSS stores the partition ID. During handover to another access type, the MME queries the HSS for the stored partition ID, ensuring seamless transition without service disruption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network partition selection is re-performed during handover to another access technology, then the new access can be optimized, but service disruptions occur due to partition changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the same network partition ID throughout the handover process from one access technology to another. Instead of re-selecting a partition during handover, the system retrieves the pre-stored partition ID from the HSS and continues using it. This maintains service continuity and prevents disruptions that would otherwise occur during the handover transition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is performed in a network control entity that manages network connections for a network. The method includes receiving a network attachment request from a network access entity or a user equipment for connecting the user equipment to the network. The method further includes obtaining a network partition ID associated with the UE, the network partition ID identifying a network partition that includes a predetermined group of network entities included in the network. The method also includes transmitting, to a network storage entity, a notification containing the network partition ID.