RAN Controlled Traffic Offloading to WLAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of control by Radio Access Networks (RAN) over user equipment (UE) movement to wireless local area networks (WLANs) due to UE's automatic selection of WLAN access points, which prevents RAN from managing Quality of Service (QoS) and potentially impacts revenue generation, as RANs lack awareness of UE's WLAN access and cannot control traffic offloading effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus in RAN and WLAN systems to receive and process requests for traffic offloading, determining whether to permit UE to offload traffic to WLAN based on parameters like base station load, WLAN access point load, radio quality, and access point name, and transmitting permission messages to ensure controlled traffic management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UE automatically selects WLAN access points without RAN control, then UE can access supplementary capacity and services, but RAN loses control over traffic movement and QoS management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE reports WLAN access information to the RAN, and the RAN responds with control decisions. The base station receives WLAN access information from the UE, determines whether to permit traffic offloading, and transmits control messages back to the UE and/or WLAN access points. This closed-loop feedback system enables the RAN to maintain control while allowing UE flexibility in WLAN access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the base station as an intermediary between the UE and WLAN access points. The base station receives WLAN access information, makes the control decision regarding traffic offloading, and communicates the decision to relevant parties. This intermediary role allows the RAN to control traffic movement without directly managing the WLAN selection process, balancing control and flexibility.
2Reliability
If RAN retains all traffic to ensure QoS control, then service reliability is maintained, but network capacity and user flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial offloading where only certain traffic flows are redirected to WLAN while other traffic remains under RAN control. The base station selectively determines which traffic can be offloaded to WLAN based on QoS requirements, allowing partial utilization of WLAN capacity for non-critical traffic while maintaining RAN control for QoS-sensitive services. This partial action approach increases overall network capacity without compromising essential service reliability.
3Productivity
If RAN allows unrestricted WLAN offloading to increase capacity utilization, then network throughput improves, but revenue generation and business case are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of traffic offloading where the base station continuously monitors network conditions, UE behavior, and QoS requirements to make real-time decisions about traffic offloading. The control mechanism adjusts offloading permissions dynamically based on current network state, allowing flexible capacity utilization while protecting revenue-generating traffic. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between productivity and revenue preservation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides apparatuses, methods, computer programs, computer program products and computer-readable media regarding radio access network (RAN) controlled access of user equipment (UE) to wireless communication networks. The method comprises receiving, at a base station or controller of a cellular communication network, a request to offload traffic to a wireless communication network from an access point of the wireless communication network regarding user equipment served by the base station or controller, determining, at the base station or controller, whether to permit the user equipment to offload traffic to the wireless communication network, and transmitting a message indicating whether it is permitted to offload traffic to the access point of the wireless communication network.