UE WLAN Access Network Selection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP-WLAN interworking architecture lacks control over UE access network selection, leading to suboptimal QoS and frequent handovers between 3GPP and WLAN networks, affecting user experience and network performance.
Innovation Solution
A method where UE monitors and determines available WLAN access networks by configuring predetermined thresholds and parameters, ensuring stable network selection through signal strength, SINR, load, and other metrics, with core and access network nodes providing policy and auxiliary information to assist in optimal network choice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the current 3GPP-WLAN interworking architecture is used, then the UE can access both 3GPP and WLAN networks, but the network selection is uncontrolled leading to frequent handovers and degraded user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network side (3GPP network) monitors UE's access network selection behavior and provides control signals to guide UE's network selection. The ANDSF provides access network selection policies based on network conditions, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents uncontrolled handovers while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from static ANDSF rules to dynamic network-controlled parameters. The network side can dynamically adjust selection parameters, thresholds, and policies based on real-time network conditions, UE behavior, and QoS requirements, transforming the system from static to adaptive control.
2Ease of operation
If the current interworking architecture with static ANDSF rules is used, then the UE can be guided for network selection, but the network side loses control and cannot ensure QoS requirements are met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the control direction: instead of ANDSF providing static rules to UE, the 3GPP network side actively controls and monitors UE's network selection process. The control flow is reversed from UE-initiated selection with static guidance to network-initiated control with dynamic policy adjustment, enabling QoS assurance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static ANDSF rule-based system into a dynamic network-controlled system. Selection policies, thresholds, and parameters can be dynamically adjusted by the network side based on real-time conditions, UE behavior patterns, and QoS requirements, making the system adaptive rather than static.
3Device complexity
If the UE autonomously selects access networks based on static rules, then the selection process is simple, but frequent handovers occur increasing network burden and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the 3GPP network side as an intermediary between UE and WLAN access networks. The network acts as a mediator that receives selection requests from UE, evaluates them against dynamic policies and QoS requirements, and provides controlled authorization. This intermediary prevents direct uncontrolled UE-WLAN interactions causing frequent handovers.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a method for selecting an available access network and a user equipment, wherein the method includes: when monitoring that a state of a wireless local area network access network consistently meets a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time period and/or a predetermined number of times, or monitoring that the state of the wireless local area network access network within the predetermined time period or for the predetermined number of times meets the predetermined threshold after filtering processing, a user equipment determining the wireless local area network access network as an available access network.