Radio Terminal WWAN WLAN Traffic Steering Timer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in efficiently transferring traffic between WWAN and WLAN networks, particularly in managing traffic steering and handling failures, which affects the reliability and efficiency of high-speed communication services.
Innovation Solution
A radio terminal and base station system that includes a controller configured to perform traffic steering between WWAN and WLAN with the granularity of APN, using timers to manage the validity and success of steering commands, and incorporating assistance parameters to determine the best approach for traffic steering based on network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic steering from WWAN to WLAN is implemented, then communication capacity and speed are improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to potential connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a timer mechanism that starts when a steering command is received and sets a timeout period. If the WLAN connection is not established within this period, the system automatically cancels the steering command and returns traffic to WWAN. This beforehand cushioning prevents permanent traffic loss due to connection failures while allowing sufficient time for successful steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors WLAN connection status and provides feedback to the control entity. When connection failure is detected or the timer expires, the system sends a cancellation indication to return traffic to WWAN. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable traffic management by adapting to real-time connection status.
2Reliability
If traffic steering is attempted without time limitation, then connection success rate may improve, but system response time and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic timer mechanism that checks connection status at defined intervals. The timer is configured with a specific timeout value that balances giving sufficient time for connection establishment while preventing indefinite waiting. This periodic action ensures the system neither rushes the connection process nor waits excessively.
3Reliability
If connection failure handling is implemented, then system robustness is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional management procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the failure handling logic into a separate, modular timer mechanism that operates independently from the main traffic steering logic. The timer entity manages the timeout period and cancellation indication separately, making the failure handling process more manageable and less complex while maintaining system robustness.
4Productivity
If timer-based steering management is implemented, then traffic transfer efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timer mechanism operates autonomously once started, automatically monitoring the connection period and triggering cancellation if the timeout is reached. This self-service approach reduces the need for continuous manual intervention or complex control logic, simplifying the overall steering control while maintaining efficient traffic transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio terminal according to an embodiment includes an AS entity configured to perform communication with a base station of a WWAN and an upper entity positioned at a higher layer than the AS entity. The AS entity transmits, to the base station, a report indicating that connection to the WLAN has failed, in response to a failure in the connection to the WLAN. The AS entity releases configuration information including a steering command in response to the failure in the connection to the WLAN and provides a notification indicating that traffic has to be returned from the WLAN to the upper entity.