Non-3GPP Access Network Selection Using Generic Container User Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices face challenges in selecting a non-3GPP access network that offers connectivity to a network supporting functionalities like registration without being a subscriber, and are unaware of the tracking area identities supported by non-3GPP access networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an apparatus and method that utilize generic container user data (GUD) to receive information about the supported communication networks, their connectivity, and functionalities from non-3GPP access networks, enabling selection based on both connectivity and functionality requirements, and facilitating enhanced ANQP information to announce supported services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless communication device connects to a non-3GPP access network without verifying functionality support, then connection establishment is simplified, but the device may fail to access required functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the non-3GPP access network pre-announce supported functionalities and communication networks through GUD information before the device attempts connection. This allows the device to verify functionality support in advance, preventing connection to networks that cannot provide required services while simplifying the connection process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing the device with explicit information about which functionalities and communication networks are supported by the non-3GPP access network through GUD data. This feedback mechanism enables the device to make informed selection decisions based on its functionality requirements, ensuring reliable connectivity to appropriate networks.
2Productivity
If the device selects any available non-3GPP access network, then network selection process is faster, but the device cannot determine which communication networks are supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the non-3GPP access network pre-announce supported communication networks and tracking area identities through GUD information. This allows the device to obtain complete network capability information before making selection decisions, eliminating information loss while maintaining efficient selection processes.
3Device complexity
If the device establishes connection before verifying network functionality, then connection setup is simpler, but the device may require multiple reconnections to find suitable network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling functionality verification through GUD information exchange before connection establishment. This prevents wasted reconnection attempts by ensuring the device only connects to non-3GPP access networks that support its required functionalities, eliminating reconnection time losses while keeping the connection procedure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing the device with explicit information about supported functionalities and communication networks through GUD data. This feedback enables the device to make correct selection decisions on the first attempt, avoiding multiple reconnections and the associated time losses.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for a device. The method comprises receiving one or more generic container user data (GUD), wherein each GUD is received from a non-3GPP access network, wherein the non-3GPP access network supports at least one functionality provided by a communication network. Each GUD indicates: a set of communications networks supported by the non-3GPP access network, a connectivity to each of the set of communication networks that is supported by the non-3GPP access network, and at least one functionality provided by each communication network and that is supported by the non-3GPP access network. The method further comprises selecting a non-3GPP access network and a communication network based on the received one or more GUDs, and initiating a registration with the selected non-3GPP access network and the selected communication network.