UE Association Reason Code for WLAN Connection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication networks, User Equipments (UEs) face challenges in efficiently managing connections between Radio Access Networks (RANs) and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs, leading to suboptimal use of communication resources and increased power and calculation consumption due to frequent reconnections and limited Wi-Fi network capacity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where UEs detect a need to connect to a WLAN and create an Association Reason Code (ARC) based on instructions from RAN nodes or communication policies from an Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) server, allowing controlled connections to WLANs, thereby enabling operators to manage resource allocation effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If UEs autonomously connect to detected Wi-Fi networks to increase communication capacity, then data rate and latency are improved, but network resource allocation becomes uncontrolled and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report Wi-Fi detection and connection status to the RAN, and the RAN provides control instructions back to UEs. This feedback loop enables the network to monitor and control UE connections to Wi-Fi networks, preventing uncontrolled toggling and reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining improved communication capacity when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from autonomous UE decision-making to network-controlled connection management. By introducing RAN-controlled parameters such as connection authorization, traffic steering rules, and connection condition thresholds, the system optimizes the balance between communication capacity improvement and power consumption reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If UEs frequently switch between Wi-Fi and RAN based on capacity detection, then communication capacity is optimized, but calculation resources and power are wasted due to toggling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidcalculation resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the RAN as an intermediary between UEs and Wi-Fi networks. Instead of UEs making autonomous switching decisions, the RAN acts as a mediator that receives connection requests, evaluates network conditions, and provides controlled authorization. This intermediary role simplifies UE complexity by offloading decision-making logic to the network side while maintaining optimized communication capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If UEs connect to passing Wi-Fi networks during movement, then local communication capacity is increased, but connection stability deteriorates and resources are wasted on short-lived connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by requiring UEs to report Wi-Fi detection to the RAN before establishing connections. The RAN evaluates connection suitability based on UE mobility status, location, and network conditions in advance, providing authorization only when appropriate. This preliminary control prevents unstable connections during movement while maintaining capacity improvements when connections are stable and beneficial.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If autonomous Wi-Fi connection is allowed, then user access flexibility is improved, but operator control over resource allocation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidoperator control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control where connection authorization, traffic steering rules, and access policies are adjustable in real-time based on network conditions, user subscriptions, and operational requirements. The RAN can dynamically modify connection parameters, authorize or deny Wi-Fi access, and steer traffic flows, providing both user flexibility and operator control through adaptive, condition-based decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10136458B2Method and arrangement for controlling connection in communication networks

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Method and arrangement for enabling a UE (User Equipment) to access a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). The UE detects a need for the UE to access the WLAN. Furthermore, the UE creates an ARC (Association Reason Code) based on the detected need, and sends the ARC to a WLAN node of the WLAN, such that the UE is thereby enabled to connect to the WLAN in accordance with the ARC. By implementing functionality in a UE to create an association reason code and send the association reason code to a WLAN node, an operator of a communication network will be able to influence and control connection of the UE to the WLAN node. Thereby, the operator will be able to effectively make use of installed communication resources.