Network-Based Roaming Policy Filter for Wireless Data Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless network selection policies are client-based and static, leading to inefficient data offloading from cellular networks to Wi-Fi networks, as they do not account for real-time conditions such as geographic location, time of day, or changes in network capacity, resulting in unnecessary roaming fees and capacity issues.
Innovation Solution
A network-based policy solution that uses a cloud-based authentication proxy with a policy filter to dynamically determine when and where to offload data to a wireless network based on mobile device and network attributes, allowing service providers to set policies instantly according to real-time conditions without requiring modifications to mobile devices or new infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If client-based static network selection policy is used, then mobile devices can always choose to use available Wi-Fi networks, but this leads to unnecessary roaming fees and capacity issues when cellular network is not overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection policy that changes based on real-time network conditions. The policy server receives network status information from both cellular and Wi-Fi networks, then dynamically adjusts offloading decisions based on current load conditions, geographic location, and time of day, resolving the contradiction between simple client-based selection and efficient resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the policy server continuously receives network status information from network elements and mobile devices, processes this information against stored policies, and sends back offloading decisions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing network conditions and avoid unnecessary roaming fees while maintaining operational simplicity
2Productivity
If network-based dynamic policy filtering is implemented, then data offloading can be optimized based on real-time conditions, but this increases system complexity requiring policy servers and filtering infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a policy server as an intermediary component that centralizes the complex policy filtering logic. Instead of distributing complexity across multiple network elements and mobile devices, the policy server acts as a mediator that receives requests, applies policies based on network conditions and location information, and returns decisions, thereby optimizing data offloading while managing system complexity in a centralized manner
Solution Approach 2:
The policy server performs multiple functions: it stores network policies, receives and processes network status information, determines offloading decisions based on geographic location and time, and communicates with both network elements and mobile devices. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single universal component rather than requiring separate specialized infrastructure for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional static network selection is used, then mobile devices operate independently without requiring centralized control, but this prevents real-time adjustments based on network capacity and location changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring network policies on the policy server that include conditions for data offloading based on geographic location, time of day, and network status. These policies are prepared in advance and stored ready for immediate application, enabling real-time adjustments without requiring complex runtime decision-making or lengthy policy update processes
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a network device, a request from a mobile device to connect to a wireless local area network, inserting mobile device and network attributes into the request, transmitting the request from the network device to an authentication proxy comprising a policy filter, and receiving a response to the request and offloading mobile data to the wireless local area network if the request is allowed. The policy filter is configured to filter requests received at the authentication proxy based on the attributes and a network policy for offloading mobile data to the wireless local area network. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed herein.