Network Selection Manager for Mobile Access Network Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications systems face challenges in efficiently managing mobile node access network selection, particularly in reducing signalling overhead and achieving load balancing across multiple access networks, while allowing operators to influence network choice without increasing signalling complexity.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications system comprising a network selection manager that determines and communicates a list of preferred mobile access networks to the mobile node, enabling it to select the most suitable network based on operator-defined conditions such as load balancing, type, and subscription information, without requiring significant signalling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network-controlled mobility management schemes are used to direct mobile nodes to preferred access networks, then network operator control over access network selection is improved, but signalling overhead increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The network selection manager determines and stores a list of preferred access networks in advance, based on operator policies and current network conditions. When the mobile node enters inactive state, it autonomously selects from this pre-determined list without requiring real-time network signalling, thus achieving operator control while minimizing signalling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile node is empowered to autonomously select its own access network during inactive state by using the pre-provided list of preferred networks. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous network-controlled signalling while still achieving operator-directed network selection through the pre-configured preferences.
2Quantity of substance
If mobile nodes autonomously select access networks without network guidance, then signalling overhead is reduced, but network operator control and load balancing capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network selection manager acts as an intermediary that bridges operator control requirements and mobile node autonomy. It translates operator policies and network conditions into a simplified list of preferred access networks that the mobile node can autonomously use, thus mediating between centralized control and distributed decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the list of preferred access networks based on changing network conditions such as load balancing requirements. By modifying this key parameter, the network can influence mobile node behavior without direct signalling, maintaining control while reducing overhead.
3Reliability
If mobile nodes frequently switch between access networks, then service continuity is improved, but network stability and performance deteriorate due to excessive handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The network selection manager pre-determines an ordered list of preferred access networks based on current network conditions and operator policies. This preliminary action provides the mobile node with a stable selection framework that prevents frequent random switching, thereby maintaining network stability while ensuring service continuity through the pre-evaluated network list.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network conditions and updates the list of preferred access networks accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the mobile node is guided toward stable network configurations while maintaining service continuity, as the list is dynamically adjusted based on actual network performance and load conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Telecommunications system including a network selection manager and a mobile node. The network selection manager is operable to determine a list of preferred mobile access networks to which the mobile node may be attached during an inactive state and to communicate the list of preferred mobile access networks to the mobile node. The list of preferred mobile access networks for selection is determined in accordance with operator determined conditions (e.g. load, congestion in the access networks, subscription info, location of the mobile, changes in the list since last communication to the Mobile Station, etc.). The mobile node is operable in the inactive state to select one of the plurality of mobile access networks which is available for attachment in dependence on the list of preferred mobile access networks communicated to the mobile node from the network selection manager.