Virtual APN for Seamless 3GPP to WiFi Handoff
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device networking technologies disrupt call continuity when switching between different access networks, such as from a 3GPP network to a WiFi network, as they require terminating and re-establishing sessions due to different access point names (APNs), leading to interrupted voice calls.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses virtual APNs to maintain connection continuity by determining and assigning the same real APN for active sessions across different access networks, utilizing an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server to manage session records and ensure seamless handoffs between networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different real APNs are assigned for different access networks (3GPP and WiFi), then network access compatibility is improved, but call continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the APN function into two distinct components: a virtual APN that provides network access compatibility across different access networks, and a real APN that maintains the actual service session. This segmentation allows the virtual APN to handle network-specific access requirements while the real APN preserves call continuity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual APN acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the real APN. It receives access requests from different networks (3GPP or WiFi), determines the appropriate real APN, and forwards requests while maintaining session continuity. This intermediary mechanism enables different access networks to communicate with services through a unified real APN, preserving call continuity while maintaining network compatibility
2Reliability
If session termination occurs when switching access networks, then network security and protocol compliance are improved, but user service continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary binding between the virtual APN and the real APN before the mobile device switches access networks. The binding information is stored in advance, allowing the system to quickly re-establish connections without full session termination. This preliminary action reduces service interruption time while maintaining security protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The real APN session is maintained continuously across access network switches, avoiding complete session termination. The system preserves the useful action of the ongoing service session while allowing the access network layer to change. This continuity mechanism minimizes service interruption time while security is maintained through the virtual APN's authentication and authorization processes
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a first access request is received from a mobile device. The access request may be received through a first access medium for a virtual access point name (APN). A session is created with a service using a first real access point name (APN) for the mobile device. A second access request is received through a second type of access medium. The request may be received through a second virtual APN. A session is determined that is active for the mobile device through the first access medium and the second access request is assigned the first real APN even though the request is received through a second access medium. The continuity of the connection may then be maintained because the first real APN is still being used. In this case, a handoff of the connection from the first access network to the second access network is performed while the connection to the service is maintained through the first real APN.