Virtual Address Mapping for Seamless LTE Wi-Fi Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in providing seamless handover between LTE and Wi-Fi networks, leading to IP address changes and session cutoffs, requiring additional equipment like Wi-Fi Access Gateway (WAG) for maintaining connections.
Innovation Solution
A method, terminal, and server that enable seamless handover between cellular and wireless IP networks by transmitting messages for virtual address mapping and converting IP addresses, eliminating the need for extra equipment like WAG, and supporting handovers regardless of the Access Point (AP) type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a terminal switches between LTE and Wi-Fi networks, then network flexibility and cost efficiency are improved, but IP address changes cause session cutoff and connection instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Wi-Fi Access Gateway (WAG) as an intermediary device that maintains IP address consistency during network switching. The WAG acts as a mediator between the terminal and the packet data network gateway, preserving the terminal's IP address when switching from Wi-Fi to LTE networks, thereby preventing session cutoff and maintaining connection stability while enabling flexible network switching
2Reliability
If additional equipment like Wi-Fi Access Gateway is deployed to maintain IP address consistency, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the Wi-Fi Access Gateway multi-functional by enabling it to perform both normal Wi-Fi access routing and IP address preservation functions. The WAG can operate in different modes: normally routing traffic directly, and when needed, maintaining terminal IP addresses during LTE switching. This universal design allows a single device to handle multiple scenarios, reducing the need for additional specialized equipment
3Speed
If traditional handover procedures are used between networks, then network switching capability is improved, but session continuity is lost due to IP address changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing the IP address preservation mechanism before network switching occurs. The terminal and WAG prepare for potential LTE switching by having the WAG ready to maintain the IP address mapping. When switching is triggered, the pre-configured mechanism immediately takes effect, preserving the session without interruption, thus maintaining both fast switching and session continuity
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a terminal, and a server for providing a communication service are provided. The terminal includes a communication unit which transmits a server a first message requesting for mapping a virtual address and a first Internet Protocol (IP) address and receives an IP packet including a first IP address from the server through a first communication network and a control unit which converts the first IP address to the virtual address mapped to the first IP address in the IP packet.The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE).