UE Traffic Steering via Dedicated Assistance Information Timer
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective methods for handling assistance information for traffic steering between 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, particularly in ensuring seamless traffic steering after a user equipment (UE) enters idle mode, leading to potential ping-pong issues due to conflicting dedicated and broadcast assistance information.
Innovation Solution
A method where a UE applies dedicated assistance information for a specific period after entering idle mode, using validity timers or area-based conditions, to ensure consistent traffic steering between 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, preventing ping-pong problems and maintaining effective traffic management in both connected and idle states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE applies broadcast assistance information after entering idle mode, then traffic steering can be updated according to current network situation, but it causes ping-pong issues due to conflicting dedicated and broadcast assistance information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE store dedicated assistance information before entering idle mode and continue to apply it during idle mode. This pre-stored information prevents the UE from immediately applying potentially conflicting broadcast assistance information, thereby avoiding ping-pong effects while maintaining reliable traffic steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a validity timer that cushions against abrupt switches between dedicated and broadcast assistance information. The timer ensures that broadcast assistance information is only applied after the dedicated information has expired, preventing harmful conflicts and ping-pong effects.
2Reliability
If the UE releases dedicated assistance information immediately upon entering idle mode, then memory resources are freed, but traffic steering cannot be maintained effectively in idle mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the retention of dedicated assistance information time-dependent through a validity timer. The UE dynamically manages the stored information by releasing it after the timer expires, thus maintaining effective traffic steering in idle mode while eventually freeing memory resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by introducing a time parameter (validity timer) that controls the lifecycle of dedicated assistance information. This parameter change allows the UE to maintain information for a specific duration, enabling effective idle mode traffic steering while providing a mechanism for eventual resource release.
3Productivity
If the UE continuously monitors for updated assistance information, then traffic steering remains current, but unnecessary reconnections and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE obtain dedicated assistance information in advance before entering idle mode. This pre-obtained information allows the UE to maintain current traffic steering without continuous monitoring, thereby reducing unnecessary reconnections and signaling overhead while maintaining responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by allowing the UE to continue applying dedicated assistance information during idle mode through the validity timer. This continuous application of pre-obtained information maintains traffic steering effectiveness without requiring discontinuous reconnections or continuous monitoring.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the UE applies both dedicated and broadcast assistance information simultaneously, then comprehensive traffic steering is achieved, but conflicting rules cause unpredictable behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a clear sequence where dedicated assistance information is applied first and stored, and only after its validity timer expires can broadcast assistance information be applied. This sequential approach prevents simultaneous application of conflicting rules while maintaining comprehensive traffic steering flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an intermediary mechanism through the validity timer that mediates between dedicated and broadcast assistance information. The timer acts as an intermediary that prevents direct conflict by ensuring temporal separation between the application of different assistance information sources, thereby maintaining stability and consistency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for applying assistance information for traffic steering between a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access network and a non-3GPP access network in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment (UE) receives assistance information for traffic steering through a dedicated signaling from an eNodeB (eNB), and starts a timer upon entering an idle mode. The UE applies the assistance information received through the dedicated signaling until the timer expires. After the timer expires, the UE applies assistance information received through a broadcast signaling.