UMA Network Controller Messaging for Seamless Handovers

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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 range, necessitating a seamless integration of both for improved coverage and service quality.

Innovation Solution

The development of messaging protocols for unlicensed mobile access (UMA) networks allows mobile stations to communicate with UMA network controllers using URR messages over an unlicensed radio frequency, enabling seamless handovers between licensed and unlicensed systems, thereby extending coverage and quality of service.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If licensed wireless systems are used, then coverage area is extended, but data transfer rate and service quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoiddata transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines licensed and unlicensed wireless systems into a unified UMA network architecture. The mobile station can seamlessly switch between licensed (GSM/CDMA) and unlicensed (WiFi/Bluetooth) networks based on availability and service requirements, merging the broad coverage of licensed systems with the high bandwidth of unlicensed systems to resolve the contradiction between coverage area and data transfer rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If unlicensed wireless systems are used, then data transfer rate is improved, but mobility range deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidmobility range

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The UMA network implements dynamic network selection and handover mechanisms. The mobile station continuously monitors both licensed and unlicensed network availability and automatically switches between them based on current location, signal quality, and service requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to utilize high-data-rate unlicensed networks when available while maintaining connectivity through licensed networks when mobility range is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If seamless integration of licensed and unlicensed systems is implemented, then service quality is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a UMA network controller as an intermediary that manages the complexity of integrating licensed and unlicensed networks. The controller handles network selection, authentication, and handover procedures, shielding the mobile station from the complexity of dual-network management while enabling seamless service quality across both network types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7953423B2Messaging in an unlicensed mobile access telecommunications system

Publication Date: 2011.05.31 RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

Techniques for performing messaging between mobile stations (MSs) and UMA network controllers (UNCs) in an unlicensed mobile access network (UMAN). URR (UMA radio resource) messages are exchanged between an MS and one or more UNCs to perform various operations associated with UMAN. The MS may access the UMAN via a wireless access point (AP) that is communicatively coupled to the UNC via an IP network. The URR messages are sent between MSs and UNCs using an Up interface comprising a set of layered protocols over an underlying IP transport.