Roaming Wi-Fi Call Identification Through Cellular Location Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to accurately identify the geographic location of Wi-Fi calls during international roaming, as they are not anchored via cellular networks and lack Mobile Country Code and Mobile Network Code information.
Innovation Solution
Network operators determine the location of Wi-Fi calls by correlating co-existing cellular data with non-3GPP network access, using elements like PGW and AMF to track UE local IP addresses, and configuring UEs to select home network anchors for Wi-Fi calls, enabling accurate location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Wi-Fi calls are used during international roaming, then calling cost is reduced and convenience is improved, but the ability to track geolocation and determine country-level usage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (correlation between cellular data access and Wi-Fi voice access through network elements like PGW and AMF) to bridge the information gap. By using the cellular data connection as an intermediary anchor, the system can indirectly determine the geolocation of Wi-Fi calls without requiring the Wi-Fi network itself to provide location information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the cellular data connection serve multiple functions: it provides both data connectivity and acts as a location anchor for Wi-Fi voice calls. By configuring UEs to use home network anchors for Wi-Fi calls while maintaining cellular data connectivity, the system achieves both cost-effective calling and location tracking through a single integrated approach.
2Ease of operation
If Wi-Fi calling is used without cellular network anchoring, then calling affordability is improved, but measurement precision of call location is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular network elements (PGW, AMF) serve as intermediaries that correlate cellular data session information with Wi-Fi voice session information. This intermediary correlation mechanism enables precise location measurement by using the cellular network's inherent location tracking capabilities as a reference point for the non-anchored Wi-Fi calls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where network elements continuously correlate and update the relationship between cellular data access location and Wi-Fi voice access. This feedback mechanism ensures that location information remains accurate and current, allowing operators to track roaming Wi-Fi call locations with the same precision as traditional cellular calls.
3Measurement precision
If traditional cellular network anchoring is used for voice calls, then location tracking is improved, but calling cost during international roaming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voice and data functions separately: Wi-Fi is used for voice calling to reduce costs, while cellular data connection is maintained solely for location anchoring and correlation purposes. This segmentation allows the system to enjoy the cost benefits of Wi-Fi calling while maintaining the location tracking accuracy of cellular network anchoring, without requiring cellular voice service.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular data connection is configured to serve dual purposes: providing internet data connectivity to the UE and simultaneously serving as a location anchor for Wi-Fi voice calls. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cellular voice service during roaming, thereby reducing calling costs while maintaining location tracking capabilities through the home network anchor.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices that relate to geo-location determination of roaming Wi-Fi calling are disclosed. In one example aspect, a method for wireless communication includes transmitting, by a first network element in a home network, a message to a second network element indicating an establishment of a roaming voice session using a non-cellular network access technology. The message includes an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocated to a terminal device. The method also includes determining, by the first network element in the home network, a geographical location of the roaming voice session based on the IP address allocated to the terminal device.