Radio Access Network Selection Using Charging Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing traffic steering between access networks are overly simplistic and do not achieve the best access characteristics and performance for user equipment (UE), leading to suboptimal connectivity and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for UE to connect to multiple radio access networks, utilizing user preference data and charging information to select the most suitable network based on conditions such as cost, bitrate, and network load, with a Radio Access Frequency and Cell (RAFC) selection function that considers real-time subscription information for informed traffic steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If Wi-Fi offloading is implemented using simple signal-level detection, then implementation complexity is reduced, but access performance and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report charging data, subscription information, and network status to the network controller, which then optimizes traffic steering decisions. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of offloading policies based on real-time network conditions and user subscriptions, improving access performance while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
A network controller acts as an intermediary between UEs and access networks, receiving charging data and subscription information from UEs, processing this information against predefined policies, and making intelligent traffic steering decisions. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of optimization algorithms from individual UEs while enabling sophisticated access performance management through centralized policy enforcement.
2Device complexity
If traffic steering decisions are made without charging data, then system complexity is reduced, but cost-effectiveness and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting and storing charging data, subscription information, and network status data before traffic steering decisions are required. UEs proactively report their charging data and subscription details to the network controller, which pre-processes this information and maintains updated profiles. When offloading decisions are needed, the system can quickly query pre-computed information rather than performing complex real-time analysis, reducing decision complexity while enabling cost-effective steering based on user subscription tiers and charging rates.
3Ease of operation
If access selection is based solely on network availability, then ease of operation is improved, but resource utilization and access characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing UEs to autonomously report their charging data, subscription information, and network status to the network controller. Each UE independently gathers its own operational data and transmits it for centralized processing, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or user intervention. The network controller then automatically applies policies to make traffic steering decisions, achieving both ease of operation through automated UE participation and improved resource utilization through intelligent policy-based routing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for connecting a user equipment to at least one of a plurality of radio access networks. Retrieving charging data for a subscription of a user of the telecommunications network. Transmitting the charging data to one or more of the user equipment and a radio access network node of the one or more of the plurality of radio access networks. Selecting, at least partially, at least one of the plurality of radio access networks based on one or more of: the charging data received from the core network node and selection data received from the user equipment and relating to a selection of one of the plurality of radio access networks by the user equipment. Connecting the user equipment to at least one of the plurality of radio access nodes, the connection being based at least partly on the selection made by the radio access network selector of the radio access network node.