Roaming Priority Indication for Wireless Network Handover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in maintaining seamless session continuity, especially when wireless devices switch between networks operated by different service providers, which is critical for applications like autonomous driving where connectivity disruptions can be hazardous.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Roaming Priority Indication (RPI) system allows wireless devices to prioritize network connections between networks, enabling faster and more reliable handovers by designating certain networks as higher priority for transfer, thus maintaining session continuity and improving performance levels on an individual user basis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If network connection transfer is initiated between different network operators, then session continuity is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to potential loss of connection during handover
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a connection to the target network node before releasing the connection to the source network node. This ensures that the wireless device has a backup connection ready before the current connection is terminated, preventing connection loss and maintaining session continuity during handover between different network operators
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining both source and target connections simultaneously during the handover transition period. This overlapping connection period acts as a cushion that prevents any gap in connectivity, ensuring that if one connection fails during transfer, the other can immediately take over without interrupting the session
2Reliability
If network connection transfer is prioritized for individual users, then service quality is improved, but network complexity increases due to priority management
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by implementing priority-based handover management specifically for roaming wireless devices while maintaining standard handover procedures for other devices. The network node examines the roaming status and applies differentiated handling only where needed, providing enhanced service quality for roaming users without unnecessarily complicating the overall network system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by modifying handover decision parameters based on the wireless device's roaming status. When a device is identified as roaming, the system changes the handover priority parameter to initiate transfer to networks of other operators, while non-roaming devices follow standard procedures, thus managing complexity through conditional parameter adjustment rather than systematic overhaul
3Adaptability or versatility
If handover between different network operators is enabled, then adaptability is improved, but connection stability worsens due to potential connection loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network node acts as a mediator between the wireless device and multiple network operators during handover. The network node manages the transition by coordinating with both source and target networks, ensuring stable connection transfer while enabling adaptability to roam between different operators without direct device-to-operator instability
4Reliability
If measurements are obtained for connection quality, then connection reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by obtaining measurements selectively based on roaming status. For roaming wireless devices, the system performs comprehensive measurements to ensure reliable handover to another operator's network. For non-roaming devices, the system uses standard measurement procedures, thus obtaining sufficient reliability information without excessive processing time for all devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for handling connections between a wireless device (120, 130) and a first wireless network node (110), of a serving network (150) in a wireless communications network (100). The wireless device (120, 130) is connected to the first WNN (110). The wireless communications network (100) further comprises a neighbor network (160) comprising a second WNN (140). The method comprises obtaining (202) a roaming priority indication, RPI, associated with the wireless device (120, 130), indicating that the wireless device (120, 130) has a higher priority for transfer of its network connection than another WD without priority. The method comprises obtaining (204) information that the neighbor network (160) is a network to which the RPI applies, and obtaining (206) measurements related to at least one the connection between the WD (120, 130) and the first WNN (110), and a wireless communications link between the WD (120, 130) and the second WNN (140), and, based on the obtained measurements, the obtained information and the RPI, initiating (208) a transfer of the WD's (120, 130) network connection from the first WNN (110) to the second WNN (140).