RAN Access Steering via Connection Reason Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently steering communication devices between different Radio Access Networks (RANs) and Radio Access Technologies (RATs, leading to issues like ping-ponging, where devices are shuffled between networks without stable connections, due to conflicting steering instructions from different RATs.
Innovation Solution
A method where communication devices request a second connection to a target RAN and notify the target RAN of the reason for the request, allowing the RAN to make informed decisions about granting access, and network nodes instruct devices to provide reasons for connection requests, enabling informed access management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication devices are steered between different RANs without providing connection reasons, then steering flexibility is improved, but decision-making accuracy at the target RAN deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is instructed to provide connection reasons in advance when requesting a second connection to a target RAN. This preliminary provision of information enables the target RAN to make informed admission control decisions before granting access, resolving the contradiction between steering flexibility and decision-making accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the communication device returns connection reasons to the network. This feedback loop allows the target RAN to understand the context of the connection request (e.g., whether it's due to steering from another RAN), enabling more accurate admission control while maintaining steering flexibility.
2Speed
If the target RAN grants access without knowing the connection reason, then access speed is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to ping-ponging
Solution Approach 1:
The connection reason is provided in advance during the connection request phase, allowing the target RAN to assess the request context before granting access. This prevents unnecessary connections that would lead to ping-ponging, thereby improving connection stability without significantly impacting access speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection reason information acts as a low-cost, easily transmittable data element that provides high-value decision support. This inexpensive information mechanism effectively prevents unstable connections and ping-ponging without adding significant overhead to the access process.
3Measurement precision
If the network instructs devices to provide connection reasons, then admission control accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device itself is capable of determining and providing the connection reason without requiring complex network infrastructure or additional hardware. The device uses its existing capabilities to identify whether it is requesting connection due to steering from another RAN, thus improving admission control accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution involves adding a simple parameter (connection reason) to the existing connection request message. This minimal modification to the signaling protocol enables accurate admission control while keeping the increase in device complexity negligible, as it merely requires the device to set an enumerated value indicating the connection context.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method performed by a communication device that enables a steering of the communication device between different Radio Access Networks, RANs. According to the method the communication device provides the reasons for requesting a connection to a new RAN. There is also provided a method performed by a network node for initiating a steering of a communication device to a new RAN. There is also provided a method performed by a network node in a RAN for deciding whether a communication device is granted access to the RAN. Corresponding devices and computer programs are also provided.