Non-3GPP Interoperability Function for Wi-Fi Cellular Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems lack an active mechanism to compare the performance of Wi-Fi connectivity provided by a fixed wireless access point with cellular connectivity to determine the best option for a user equipment (UE) based on usage and time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a non-3GPP interoperability network function that actively compares Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity performance by detecting congestion metrics and instructing the UE to disconnect from congested Wi-Fi and connect to less congested cellular networks or deprioritize Wi-Fi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a UE connects to a fixed wireless access point for Wi-Fi connectivity, then wireless connectivity is provided to the UE, but network congestion occurs at the access point
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors congestion metrics at the fixed wireless access point and uses this feedback to dynamically instruct UEs to switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. The network function receives congestion indicators from the access point and adjusts offloading decisions based on real-time network conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents congestion while maintaining connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network selection where the optimal network for a UE is not fixed but changes based on real-time congestion conditions. The system can instruct a UE to connect to Wi-Fi when the access point is uncongested, switch to cellular when congested, or deprioritize Wi-Fi temporarily. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize connectivity based on varying network conditions rather than using a static connection policy.
2Reliability
If an active mechanism compares Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity performance, then optimal network selection is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-3GPP interoperability network function as an intermediary between the fixed wireless access point and the UEs. This intermediary handles the complex task of comparing Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity performance, monitoring congestion metrics, and making switching decisions. By centralizing this functionality in a dedicated network function rather than implementing it in each UE or access point, the system achieves optimal network selection while managing complexity through specialized modular architecture.
3Reliability
If UEs are instructed to disconnect from congested Wi-Fi and connect to cellular networks, then network congestion is reduced, but switching time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring congestion metrics and identifying alternative cellular networks before a UE experiences connectivity issues. When congestion is detected at the Wi-Fi access point, the network function can pre-establish instructions for UE switching to cellular networks, reducing the actual switching time when congestion occurs. The system prepares alternative connectivity paths in advance rather than reacting only after problems arise.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide an active mechanism that compares performance of Wi-Fi connectivity provided by a fixed wireless access point to cellular connectivity to determine the best option for a particular UE, based on a particular usage, at a particular point in time. Initially, an indication is received from a fixed wireless access point that is experiencing congestion that a UE has connected to the fixed wireless access point. If congestion metrics of the fixed wireless access point are determined to be above a threshold, collocated cells or neighboring cells that are not experiencing congestion are detected. Next, instructions are provided for the UE to: disconnect from the fixed wireless access point and connect to an alternate cell of the collocated cells or neighboring cells; or deprioritize Wi-Fi for a given amount of time.