Unified Location Services for Cellular and WLAN Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated cellular and WLAN networks lack ubiquitous location-based services, making it difficult to determine the physical location of WLAN clients across different networks, which complicates emergency services and commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
An industry-wide architecture is introduced, featuring a Gateway Location Services Module within each WLAN network that interfaces with the core network's GMLC, allowing a single request to locate both cellular and WLAN subscribers, using various positioning procedures such as access point location, signal strength, and GPS assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate location services are maintained for cellular and WLAN networks, then each network can provide location services independently, but it becomes difficult to determine the physical location of subscribers across integrated networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal location services architecture where the GMLC (Gateway Location Services) and HLR (Home Location Register) serve dual purposes: they handle both cellular mobile stations and WLAN clients through a unified interface. The GMLC acts as a gateway that can request location information from either cellular networks or WLAN networks, providing a single point of access for location services across integrated networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the GMLC as an intermediary component that mediates between location service requests and the underlying cellular/WLAN networks. The GMLC receives location requests, determines whether the target device is on a cellular or WLAN network, and forwards the appropriate request to the relevant network element (MSC/SGSN for cellular, or gateway location services module for WLAN).
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate interfaces are provided for location requests to cellular and WLAN networks, then each network can be accessed independently, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The GMLC provides a unified interface that handles both cellular and WLAN location requests through the same procedure. Instead of requiring separate interfaces and processes for each network type, the GMLC uses a single standardized approach to locate any wireless subscriber, simplifying the operation for requesting entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The HLR maintains pre-stored routing information that includes not only cellular network routing data but also WLAN network routing information. When a location request arrives, the HLR can quickly provide the appropriate routing information without requiring complex real-time queries, thus reducing the time needed to determine the subscriber's location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN clients are not tracked by the HLR, then WLAN network operations remain simple, but location-based services cannot be provided across integrated networks
Solution Approach 1:
The HLR is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it continues to handle traditional cellular mobile station routing and location tracking, while also maintaining routing information for WLAN clients. This allows the HLR to act as a universal location tracking database for both cellular and WLAN networks, enabling cross-network location services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location tracking functions for cellular and WLAN networks into a single HLR system. Instead of maintaining separate tracking mechanisms, the HLR consolidates routing information for both network types, allowing a single database to support location-based services across integrated cellular and WLAN networks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a unified location services architecture is implemented, then location-based services become ubiquitous, but the network architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The GMLC and HLR are designed as universal components that handle both cellular and WLAN location services through standardized interfaces. This universality allows the same core network elements to serve multiple network types, providing ubiquitous location coverage without requiring entirely separate systems for each network.
Solution Approach 2:
The GMLC serves as an intermediary gateway that simplifies the architecture by providing a single access point for location services. Instead of requiring direct integration between multiple network elements, the GMLC mediates the interaction, making the unified architecture more manageable and easier to implement.
Data Source
AI summary
Determining the physical location of a WLAN client includes making a request to a core network of an integrated cellular—WLAN network. Using an HLR and WLAN client identifier, the WLAN network in which the client is located is determined. A location request is then made to a MSC/SGSN servicing that WLAN network, the MSC/SGSN then forwarding the request to a gateway that interfaces the WLAN network to the core network. Alternatively, the location request is directly forwarded to the gateway. Upon receiving the request, the gateway uses a positioning procedure(s) to determine the client's physical location. This location is then returned to the core network. According to one example positioning procedure, a database containing access point physical locations is maintained. Here, a determination is made as to which access point(s) the client can communicate. The location of the access point(s), as obtained through the database, then forms a basis for the client's location.