UMA Interworking for Seamless Licensed-Unlicensed Network Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current licensed wireless systems provide low-quality mobile wireless communications due to limited data transfer rates and range, while unlicensed wireless systems offer higher quality services at a lower cost but with limited mobility and range, necessitating a seamless integration of both for improved coverage and service quality.

Innovation Solution

The development of unlicensed mobile access (UMA) systems that utilize unlicensed radio frequencies like 802.11 or Bluetooth for seamless handovers between licensed and unlicensed networks, employing specific URLC messages for registration, channel activation, and handover management to ensure continuous service across different network types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If licensed wireless systems are used, then coverage area and mobility are provided, but data transfer rate and service quality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidcoverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines licensed and unlicensed wireless networks into a unified communication system. The mobile station can simultaneously access both network types, merging their advantages to achieve high data transfer rates when connected to unlicensed networks (like WiFi) while maintaining coverage and mobility through licensed networks, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and coverage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between licensed and unlicensed networks based on availability, signal quality, and service requirements. The mobile station can transition between network types seamlessly, making the system adaptable to changing conditions and optimizing both data transfer rate and coverage area dynamically rather than being fixed to one network type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If unlicensed wireless systems are used, then data transfer rate and service quality improve, but mobility and coverage area are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging unlicensed networks (providing high speed) with licensed networks (providing mobility), the system allows mobile stations to access high-quality services when available while maintaining seamless mobility through licensed networks when moving between coverage areas, thus resolving the contradiction between data transfer rate and mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile station acts as an intermediary that manages connections to both unlicensed and licensed networks. It can switch between network types transparently, allowing users to experience high-speed services when connected to unlicensed networks while maintaining continuous mobility support through licensed networks, effectively mediating between the two network types' strengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If licensed wireless systems are used, then coverage area is provided, but service quality and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidservice quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges licensed networks (providing wide coverage) with unlicensed networks (providing high service quality). Mobile stations can access high-quality services through unlicensed networks when available, while licensed networks provide reliable coverage area extension, thereby resolving the contradiction between coverage area and service quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If unlicensed wireless systems are used, then service quality improves, but network compatibility and interoperability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice qualityVSAvoidnetwork compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile station is designed with multi-functionality to support both licensed and unlicensed network types. It can simultaneously or alternatively connect to different network types using appropriate protocols and interfaces, making it universally compatible while accessing high-quality services from unlicensed networks, thereby resolving the contradiction between service quality and network compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7606190B2Apparatus and messages for interworking between unlicensed access network and GPRS network for data services

Publication Date: 2009.10.20 RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

Methods for performing various operations via unlicensed mobile access (UMA) radio link control (URLC) messages in an unlicensed mobile access network (UMAN). The UMAN comprises a first radio access network that may be employed for accessing data services provided by a core network comprising a second radio access network. URLC messages are exchanged between mobile stations (MSs) and UMA network controllers (UNCs) to perform various operations associated with the UMAN. An MS may access the UMAN via a wireless access point (AP) that is communicatively coupled to a UNC via an IP network. The URLC messages are sent between MSs and UNCs using an Up interface comprising a set of layered protocols over an underlying IP transport.