UE GAN Service Registration for Seamless Cellular Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless access network technologies face challenges in seamless handover and service integration between cellular networks and wireless local area networks (WLANs), particularly in terms of number plan compatibility, service handover, and emergency call routing, due to the lack of standardized procedures for selecting appropriate network nodes and interfacing between different technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for supporting wireless access network service request capabilities in user equipment devices, enabling IP connectivity with wireless access network nodes and initiating registration requests that include necessary service information, facilitating efficient handover and service integration between wide area cellular networks and WLANs or generic access networks through GANCs and UNC nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE device registers on a wide area cellular network (WACN) according to 3GPP standards, then network connectivity and service access are established, but the device cannot simultaneously maintain connectivity with wireless access networks (GAN/UMA) for seamless handover and service integration
Solution Approach 1:
The UE device is designed to support multiple network access modes (WACN, GAN, UMA) within a single device architecture. The device can selectively register with different network types based on service requirements and network availability, making the device universal across multiple wireless access technologies without requiring separate devices for each network type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an interworking mechanism that acts as an intermediary between WACN and GAN/UMA networks. This intermediary layer handles protocol translation, registration coordination, and service handover between different network types, reducing the complexity burden on the UE device by centralizing the interworking logic in the network infrastructure
2Reliability
If seamless handover between cellular networks and WLANs is implemented, then service continuity is improved, but number plan compatibility, service handover, and emergency call routing issues arise due to lack of standardized procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes standardized handover procedures and registration protocols in advance, before actual handover events occur. By pre-defining the sequence of actions, message formats, and decision criteria for network selection and handover execution, the system ensures consistent and reliable service continuity without requiring complex real-time decision-making or ad-hoc procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes information elements within registration request messages to convey service requirements and network preferences. By changing and interpreting specific parameters within standardized message structures, the system enables flexible handover decisions while maintaining procedural standardization, allowing different service types (emergency calls, data services, voice) to be handled according to their specific requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE device includes means for gaining IP connectivity with wireless access network nodes and initiating registration requests with service information, then service request capability is enhanced, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UE device implements IP connectivity and registration request capabilities selectively based on service requirements and network conditions. Rather than maintaining all possible service request functionalities continuously, the device activates specific service request mechanisms only when needed, reducing average processing complexity while preserving full adaptability when services are required
Solution Approach 2:
The registration request message structure is designed to be self-descriptive, containing embedded information elements that convey service requirements, network preferences, and capability indications. This self-service approach allows the network to automatically interpret and process service requests without requiring complex device-side processing or additional signaling exchanges, reducing device complexity while enhancing service request capability
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a scheme is disclosed for supporting wireless access network service request capability in a user equipment (UE) device that is operable in wide area cellular network (WACN) bands as well as in wireless access network bands (e.g., GAN bands and/or UMA bands). The UE device includes capability for gaining Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity with a wireless access network node (e.g., a GAN controller (GANC) or UMA network controller (UNC)). Thereafter, the UE device is operable to initiate a registration request message towards the wireless access network node, wherein the registration request message includes at least one information element pertaining to wireless access network services required by the UE device.