RAN-Controlled WLAN Access Selection via Identifier Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for RAN-controlled WLAN access selection and traffic steering lack the ability for the RAN or MME to dynamically indicate which WLANs are candidates for selection, leading to inefficient user experience and increased complexity due to reliance on user configuration or ANDSF mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The RAN or MME sends a list of WLAN identifiers to the UE for RAN-controlled access selection and traffic steering, allowing the UE to manage its own list updates and validity, thereby enabling dynamic and efficient access network selection without requiring higher layer mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RAN or MME sends a list of WLAN identifiers to UE for dynamic access selection, then access network selection efficiency and user experience are improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the WLAN access selection process by separating the list of WLAN identifiers from the actual access selection logic. The RAN/MME maintains and manages a separate list of WLAN identifiers that can be independently updated and maintained, while the UE executes the access selection based on this segmented data structure. This allows the system to improve access selection efficiency without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the RAN or MME acts as a mediator between the core network and the UE for WLAN access selection. Instead of direct complex interactions, the RAN/MME sends simplified WLAN identifier lists to the UE, which then autonomously performs access selection. This intermediary approach improves efficiency by centralizing management while reducing the complexity burden on individual devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RAN or MME dynamically indicates candidate WLANs to UE, then access selection adaptability is improved, but signaling overhead and network load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the RAN or MME pre-calculate and maintain a list of candidate WLAN identifiers before the UE needs to make an access selection. This list is prepared in advance based on network conditions, WLAN availability, and policy considerations. When the UE needs to select an access network, it receives this pre-prepared list, which improves adaptability without requiring real-time signaling for each selection decision, thereby reducing signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the WLAN identifier list dynamically updateable and adaptable. The RAN or MME can modify the list of candidate WLANs based on changing network conditions, WLAN availability, and user preferences. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different scenarios while efficiently managing signaling overhead through periodic or event-triggered updates rather than continuous real-time signaling.
3Ease of operation
If UE manages its own WLAN list updates autonomously, then operation simplicity is improved, but reliability and control precision decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously manage its WLAN list updates based on information received from the RAN or MME. The UE can independently update its local WLAN identifier list, perform access selections, and adapt to changing conditions without requiring constant network intervention. This improves ease of operation by giving the UE control while maintaining reliability through the structured framework provided by the RAN/MME-sent identifier lists.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the UE reports its WLAN access status and selection outcomes back to the RAN or MME. This feedback loop allows the network to monitor and validate the UE's autonomous list management, ensuring that reliability is maintained even as operation simplicity increases. The feedback enables the RAN/MME to correct or update WLAN identifier lists based on actual access outcomes and network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, there is provided a method of operating a mobile device in a communication network. The method comprises receiving a list of wireless local area network (WLAN) identifiers from the communication network (600). Using the received list of WLAN identifiers in an access network selection and/or traffic steering procedure (610).