Offloading Preference Indicator Splitting for Roaming Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for signaling Offloading Preference Indicators (OPI) in wireless communication networks face challenges in maintaining flexibility for operators while supporting roaming usage, with potential network exposure issues due to standardized OPI values and administrative burdens.
Innovation Solution
The OPI is split into different regions for roaming and non-roaming categories, allowing operators to define their own policies without exposing network information, with specific bits or regions reserved for public or operator-specific use, enabling flexible and secure offloading decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standardized OPI values are used to support roaming usage, then compatibility and reliability are improved, but network information exposure and loss of operator flexibility occur
Solution Approach 1:
The OPI parameter is segmented into multiple fields: a first field containing standardized values for roaming UEs and a second field containing operator-specific values for non-roaming UEs. This segmentation allows the system to provide standardized roaming compatibility while preserving operator flexibility for domestic operations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operator-specific OPI policies are implemented, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but network information exposure and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The OPI parameter is divided into distinct fields with clear demarcation. The first field follows standardized structure for roaming, while the second field allows operator-specific customization. This structured segmentation enables operator flexibility without significantly increasing device complexity, as the segmented structure is systematically organized and manageable.
3Loss of information
If full OPI parameter is signaled to all devices, then information completeness is improved, but network information exposure and loss of time occur
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized portion of the OPI parameter is extracted into a separate first field that is publicly signaled to all devices. The operator-specific portion is placed in a second field that is only signaled to non-roaming UEs. This extraction approach ensures that essential information is complete for roaming devices while preventing unnecessary network information exposure to external entities.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method (20) performed in a communication device (2). The method (20) comprises obtaining (21) a policy comprising one or more rules associated with different values of a parameter, the parameter comprising a first part and a second part; receiving (22) the parameter; and applying (24, 26) a rule associated with a value of the first part of the parameter or a rule associated with a value of the second part of the parameter. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding method in a communication system (1), to a communication device (2), a communication system (1), computer programs and computer program products.