WiMAX Femtocell Access Point Multi-Network Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WiMAX femtocell access points (WFAPs) are limited to a single network service provider (NSP) and cannot select or manage air interfaces of multiple network access points (NAPs), restricting their ability to choose a NAP that provides radio resource configuration information for other NSPs, which hinders business relationships and service flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows a WFAP to independently select a NAP by sending a request message to an NSP, receiving NAP information, and establishing a connection based on the received information, enabling access to multiple NSPs and radio resources without relying on a specific macro network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a WFAP is bound to a single NSP, then the system structure is simple and easy to manage, but the adaptability and service flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the WFAP to serve multiple NSPs rather than being bound to a single provider. The WFAP can select from multiple NAPs and manage connections to different NSPs, making the system more versatile and adaptable to various service scenarios while maintaining a unified access point structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the NSP provides NAP selection information to the WFAP through standardized protocols. This intermediary approach allows the WFAP to make informed NAP selections without directly managing complex multi-NAP configurations, thus reducing operational complexity while enabling multi-NSP functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the WFAP cannot select multiple NAPs, then the system is easier to implement, but the service quality and business relationships are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the NSP pre-provide NAP selection information to the WFAP before the actual service establishment. The NSP prepares and transmits the necessary NAP configuration details in advance, allowing the WFAP to quickly establish connections without complex real-time negotiations, thus maintaining implementation ease while enabling flexible business relationships.
3Reliability
If the WFAP is NSP specific, then the authentication and authorization process is simplified, but the ability to access multiple radio resources is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the authentication function (remaining NSP-specific and simplified) from the resource access function (becoming multi-NAP capable). The WFAP maintains reliable authentication with its home NSP while independently managing multiple NAP connections for diverse radio resource access, thus achieving both reliability and versatility through functional decomposition.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present invention provide systems, method, and apparatuses for selecting a network access provider (NAP). In one embodiment, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) femtocell access point (WFAP) sends an NAP request message to a network service provider (NSP). The WFAP receives an NAP response message returned by the NSP, where the NAP response message carries NAP information determined by the NSP. Thereafter, the WFAP can establish a connection with the NAP according to the received NAP information. In other words, independently of the macro network, the WFAP can determine the NAP providing a radio resource for the WFAP and provide radio access service for users of multiple NSP.