Terminal Access Network Discovery via Dynamic Service Availability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accessing content distribution services are inflexible and inefficient, particularly when a terminal can connect to multiple access networks, as they often rely on fixed associations between access networks and content distribution networks, leading to potential service unavailability and suboptimal service quality.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes the Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) to provide terminals with a list of accessible access points based on their location, allowing for dynamic selection of the most suitable access network for content distribution, while ensuring authentication and optimizing service quality without modifying content identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed association between access networks and content distribution networks is used, then network management is simplified, but service availability deteriorates when the associated CDN cannot process requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of access networks based on real-time service availability. The terminal no longer uses fixed associations but dynamically determines which access network to use by checking service availability information provided by the network, allowing adaptation when a CDN cannot process requests
Solution Approach 2:
The network introduces an intermediary mechanism (service availability information provided by the network) that mediates between the terminal and access networks. This intermediary provides guidance on which access networks can actually deliver the requested service, resolving the contradiction between simple management and reliable service
2Adaptability or versatility
If a terminal attempts to access multiple access networks to find suitable service, then service accessibility is improved, but terminal resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary action by providing service availability information before the terminal attempts access. This allows the terminal to know in advance which access networks can deliver the requested service, avoiding wasted resource attempts on unavailable networks
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal uses the provided service availability information to autonomously select appropriate access networks without needing to probe multiple networks. The terminal serves itself by making informed decisions based on network-provided guidance, reducing resource consumption
3Measurement precision
If service availability information is provided for all access networks, then service selection accuracy is improved, but information transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing service availability information specifically tailored to each access network's actual capability to deliver the requested service. Rather than generic information, each access network's service availability status is individually determined and communicated, improving selection accuracy without unnecessary complexity
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method by means of which a terminal (10) can obtain information relating to a radio environment. The method comprises the following steps: a step in which a discovery device (24) receives a request from the terminal to discover a radio environment; a step in which the discovery device determines a list comprising a plurality of access points that belong respectively to an access network and are provided to supply radio coverage at a current location of the terminal; a step in which a piece of information is obtained relating to an access to a service by means of the access points on the list; a step in which the list is enriched with the information obtained in association with the access point; a step in which the enriched list is scheduled according to at least one criterion relating to the service; and a step in which the ordered list is sent to the terminal by the discovery device.