Session Continuity Module for Wireless Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices face service disruptions and inefficiencies during handovers in heterogeneous wireless networks, leading to terminated connections, out-of-order data reception, and suboptimal quality of service due to the inability to manage multiple wireless interfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cross-layer design with a cross-layer cooperative module, handover decision module, and session continuity module, which provides an API for mobility-aware applications, maintains link and network layer associations, and ensures concurrent, in-order multipath transmission by reselecting better base stations and reordering packets across different transmission paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network devices switch wireless interfaces during handover, then network connectivity can be maintained, but data transmission may be disrupted or terminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a preliminary association between the network device and a target base station before actually switching wireless interfaces. The handover decision module identifies a target base station in advance, and the session continuity module pre-establishes the association, so that when handover occurs, the data transmission can continue without disruption through the pre-prepared connection path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a session continuity module as an intermediary layer between the wireless interface switching mechanism and the data transmission process. This module maintains session information and coordinates the handover process, acting as a mediator that ensures data transmission continuity even when underlying wireless interfaces change, by managing the transition through target base stations.
2Productivity
If data is transmitted through multiple heterogeneous networks concurrently, then transmission efficiency increases, but out-of-order data reception occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the session continuity module receives data packets from multiple transmission paths, checks their sequence numbers, and identifies out-of-order packets. Based on this feedback, the module buffers out-of-order packets and retransmits them in the correct sequence, ensuring ordered data delivery while maintaining the benefits of concurrent multi-path transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data packet handling by introducing sequence number tracking and buffering mechanisms. Instead of directly forwarding packets from multiple paths, the system modifies the packet flow by buffering and reordering based on sequence numbers, thus maintaining data integrity while utilizing multiple transmission paths for improved efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If handover procedure is performed to maintain network connectivity, then service continuity is challenged, but manual reconnection degrades user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic handover management where the handover decision module continuously monitors network conditions and automatically initiates handover procedures when needed. The session continuity module automatically maintains session information and coordinates the transition, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting handover requirements and executing the continuity maintenance process autonomously.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and a method for service continuity in heterogeneous wireless networks, which comprises a handover decision module and a session continuity module. The handover decision module is responsible for maintaining link layer association and network layer reachability in according to the underlying network conditions to fulfill the service requirement of applications. When acting as a sender, the session continuity module will select transmission path(s), reestablish the transport connection(s) and tag packets with session IDs and sequence numbers. When acting as a receiver, the session continuity module will identify and reorder packets using session IDs and sequence numbers, regardless of the IP addresses and ports of the packets. To sum up, the present invention can provide service continuity and multipath transmission for network devices.