UE-Centric Access Network Selection for Cellular-WLAN Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing access network selection between cellular and WLAN networks, leading to congestion and reduced throughput due to simultaneous connections, especially when a large number of devices connect to the same access point.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a UE-centric access network selection scheme that allows User Equipment (UE) to select between cellular and WLAN networks based on load balancing parameters, such as cellular and WLAN load-related parameters, resource allocation, and signal strength thresholds, using existing WLAN functionality without requiring changes to WLAN interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of devices connect to the same WLAN access point, then WLAN connectivity coverage is improved, but network congestion increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts network selection based on real-time load conditions. The UE monitors WLAN load parameters and automatically switches between WLAN and cellular networks according to current network conditions, making the connectivity dynamic rather than static to avoid congestion while maintaining coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of network selection by introducing load-based decision-making. Instead of always preferring WLAN for coverage, the system changes parameters like load thresholds and hysteresis values to optimize throughput, switching networks based on measured load conditions.
2Ease of operation
If UE automatically connects to WLAN when signal is strong, then WLAN utilization is improved, but network congestion and reduced throughput occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the UE continuously monitors WLAN load parameters and uses this feedback to make informed connection decisions. Instead of automatic connection based solely on signal strength, the system uses load information as feedback to determine whether connecting to WLAN would be beneficial, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preventing congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary load assessment before establishing WLAN connections. By checking load parameters in advance and comparing them against thresholds, the system prevents automatic connections to overloaded networks, thereby maintaining ease of operation while avoiding throughput degradation.
3Productivity
If load balancing parameters are used for network selection, then network throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the existing WLAN interface multi-functional by enabling it to both provide wireless connectivity and report load parameters. This universal approach allows load-based network selection without adding separate monitoring hardware or interfaces, thereby improving throughput while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The WLAN infrastructure itself provides load information through existing signaling mechanisms, enabling the UE to perform load-based selection autonomously. The system serves itself by using built-in capabilities to gather and process load data, reducing the need for external complexity while improving throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems of User Equipment (UE) centric access network selection. For example, a cellular node may include a transmitter to transmit to a User Equipment (UE) a cellular communication message over a cellular communication medium, the message including a value of a predefined parameter, which is based on a cellular network load of a cellular network controlled by the cellular node.