Terminal Device Parameter Management for Network Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Terminal devices capable of WLAN/3GPP radio interworking face challenges in access network selection and traffic steering due to dedicated parameters received from one 3GPP cell being unsuitable for another cell, leading to repeated connection attempts and increased signaling load, especially when load conditions change.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where terminal devices use broadcast parameters upon rejection of a connection request and discard dedicated parameters, allowing for dynamic adaptation of network selection and traffic steering based on current conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If terminal devices use dedicated parameters received from one 3GPP cell for access network selection and traffic steering, then the parameters provide specific optimization for that cell, but the parameters become unsuitable when the device moves to another cell with different load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter suitabilityVSAvoidcell mobility adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic parameter management where terminal devices transition from using dedicated parameters to broadcast parameters based on connection status. When a connection request is rejected, the device dynamically switches to broadcast parameters that are universally applicable across different cells, ensuring parameters remain suitable regardless of cell-specific load conditions changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter source from dedicated (cell-specific) to broadcast (network-wide) based on connection rejection. This parameter change allows the terminal device to adapt to different cell conditions by using parameters that are updated frequently and applicable to current network state, resolving the contradiction between parameter precision and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If terminal devices continue using dedicated parameters after connection request rejection, then parameter continuity is maintained, but repeated connection attempts increase signaling load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter continuityVSAvoidsignaling load
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of discarding dedicated parameters when connection requests are rejected. Instead of continuing to use outdated dedicated parameters that lead to repeated failed attempts, the terminal device discards them and switches to broadcast parameters. This prevents wasteful repeated signaling while maintaining parameter continuity through the broadcast parameter mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from connection request rejection as a trigger to change parameter usage. The rejection signal provides feedback that the current dedicated parameters are no longer appropriate, prompting the terminal device to switch to broadcast parameters. This feedback mechanism prevents continued unsuccessful connection attempts and reduces unnecessary signaling load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If terminal devices switch to broadcast parameters upon connection rejection, then adaptability to current network conditions improves, but loss of cell-specific optimization occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork condition adaptationVSAvoidcell-specific optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic parameter selection mechanism where the terminal device uses dedicated parameters when connected (for cell-specific optimization) and switches to broadcast parameters when connection is rejected (for network-wide adaptability). This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by applying the appropriate parameter type based on connection status

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments parameter usage into two distinct modes: dedicated parameter mode during successful connection for cell-specific optimization, and broadcast parameter mode after connection rejection for broader network adaptability. This segmentation allows each parameter type to be used in the context where it provides maximum benefit, resolving the precision-versus-adaptability trade-off

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3146791B1Techniques for managing parameters used by terminal devices in access network selection and/or traffic steering or routing procedures
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3146791B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3146791B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3146791B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An aspect provides a method of operating a terminal device in a communication network, the method comprising, on rejection of a connection request to a network node, (i) using broadcast parameters that have been broadcast from the or another network node in an access network selection and/or traffic steering or routing procedure (607) and/or (ii) discarding dedicated parameters that have been received from a network node using dedicated signalling, the dedicated parameters being for use in the access network selection and/or traffic steering or routing procedure (617).