UE WLAN Route Selection via Network Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing data transmission methods in cellular access networks face complexity and inefficiency in selecting a WLAN route for traffic flows due to slow application-layer updates and the need for extra matching operations, which hinders the consideration of dynamic network conditions, leading to suboptimal data transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where user equipment (UE) receives indication information from a cellular access network with filtering conditions, including transmission characteristic identifiers, to determine and transmit traffic flows via WLAN, simplifying the route selection process and improving efficiency by considering real-time network status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE uses application layer ISRP for WLAN route selection, then the routing policy can be updated, but the update speed is slow and cannot consider dynamic network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ISRP from a static application-layer policy to a dynamic network-layer solution. The PCRF entity dynamically generates PCC rules based on real-time network conditions and UE behavior, allowing the routing policy to adapt quickly to changing network states without being constrained by slow application-layer updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the PCRF entity as an intermediary between the network and UE. The PCRF receives traffic flow information from the PCEF, determines appropriate WLAN routing policies based on network conditions, and generates PCC rules that are pushed to the UE, thereby mediating the routing decision process to achieve both adaptability and speed.
2Reliability
If the UE performs extra matching operations at the bottom layer for ISRP, then the routing policy can be enforced, but the implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex matching and decision-making logic from the UE and relocates it to the network side (PCRF entity). The UE only needs to execute simple PCC rules received from the network, removing the need for complex bottom-layer matching operations while maintaining reliable policy enforcement through network-controlled rule distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the network (PCRF) to automatically generate and push appropriate PCC rules to the UE based on observed traffic patterns and network conditions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the UE to perform complex autonomous matching operations, as the network proactively provides ready-to-execute routing instructions.
3Productivity
If the network considers dynamic information for ISRP generation, then the transmission efficiency improves, but the update frequency and responsiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a continuous monitoring and update mechanism where the PCEF continuously reports traffic flow information to the PCRF, which in turn continuously generates and pushes updated PCC rules to the UE. This continuous action ensures that routing policies always reflect current network conditions and traffic patterns, maintaining high transmission efficiency without update delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the PCEF monitors actual traffic flows and reports them to the PCRF, which uses this feedback to dynamically adjust and push updated PCC rules to the UE. This feedback mechanism ensures that routing policies are continuously optimized based on real network conditions and actual traffic behavior, achieving both high efficiency and rapid responsiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a data transmission method and an apparatus. The method includes: receiving, by user equipment UE, indication information sent by an access node of a cellular access network, where the indication information includes a filtering condition, and the indication information is used to instruct the UE to transmit, by using a wireless local area network WLAN, a traffic flow that meets the filtering condition; determining, by the UE according to the indication information, that a first traffic flow meets the filtering condition; and transmitting, by the UE, the first traffic flow by using the WLAN. Therefore, according to an indication of the access node of the cellular access network, the UE may choose to transmit the traffic flow by using the WLAN, so that the UE completes WLAN route selection for the traffic flow and matching of a cellular access network transmission bearer at a time, which is simple in implementation; in addition, when an access device of the cellular access network sends a first indication message, a real-time status of the cellular access network and the WLAN network and a characteristic of the traffic flow are considered, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.