UE-Centric Traffic Routing for Cellular-WLAN Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing traffic routing between cellular and WLAN networks, leading to congestion and decreased throughput due to simultaneous connections by multiple User Equipment (UE) devices, which affects network performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing UE-centric traffic routing, where User Equipment (UE) devices selectively choose between cellular and WLAN networks based on load balancing parameters, such as Received Signal Code Power (RSCP) thresholds and WLAN load thresholds, to optimize network access and steer traffic accordingly, using assistance information provided by the Radio Network Controller (RNC) via the cellular node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple UE devices simultaneously connect to WLAN network, then network coverage is extended, but network congestion increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller acts as an intermediary that receives connection requests from UE devices, evaluates current network conditions (load, signal strength), and directs traffic to appropriate networks. This mediator prevents direct uncoordinated access that causes congestion while maintaining extended coverage benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes routing parameters based on real-time network conditions. When WLAN load exceeds thresholds or signal strength deteriorates, the controller modifies routing decisions to redirect traffic to cellular network, thereby maintaining throughput while preserving coverage extension.
2Productivity
If UE devices automatically utilize WLAN connection, then network resource utilization improves, but network performance deteriorates due to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network controller continuously monitors WLAN load, signal strength, and throughput metrics. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts routing decisions, preventing congestion while maintaining high resource utilization by directing traffic to appropriate networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic routing system transitions from static automatic WLAN preference to dynamic adaptive routing. The controller continuously evaluates current network state and adjusts routing decisions in real-time, enabling the system to maintain high resource utilization while adapting to changing conditions that affect performance reliability.
3Reliability
If UE devices use cellular connection, then network performance is maintained, but network resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments traffic flow into two paths: WLAN for high-capacity data transfer when conditions are favorable, and cellular for reliable connection when WLAN is congested or signal is weak. This segmentation enables the system to maintain performance reliability on cellular while maximizing overall resource utilization by offloading suitable traffic to WLAN.
Data Source
AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems of User Equipment (UE) centric access network selection. For example, a node B may 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.