WiFi QoS Control via Extended EAP/Diameter for MNO Offload

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for mobile network operators (MNOs) to manage WiFi quality of service (QoS) are limited, primarily focusing on Internet traffic offload without considering the need for differentiated QoS levels based on MNO requirements, leading to potential congestion and reduced network efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing MNO control of WiFi QoS through extended Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) and Diameter messages to set and enforce QoS policies on user equipment (UE), allowing for differentiated QoS levels based on MNO specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If WiFi is used for Internet traffic offload, then cellular network congestion is reduced, but WiFi quality of service control and network efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecellular network efficiencyVSAvoidWiFi QoS control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the EAP authentication protocol to serve multiple functions: not only user authentication but also QoS policy delivery and configuration. The Diameter protocol similarly handles both authentication and QoS parameter transmission, making these protocols multi-functional and reducing the need for separate control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the TWAN server as an intermediary between the MNO and the UE. This server receives QoS parameters from the MNO, processes them through extended EAP/Diameter messaging, and delivers them to the UE, enabling controlled QoS management on the WiFi network while maintaining MNO oversight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If basic WiFi offload is implemented, then network setup is simple, but differentiated QoS levels and value-added services are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork setup simplicityVSAvoidQoS differentiation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the EAP and Diameter message structures to include additional QoS-related parameters such as user priority, access category, and traffic flow templates. These parameter extensions enable differentiated QoS levels without requiring a completely new protocol or system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic QoS policy assignment where QoS parameters are not static but are delivered and updated in real-time through the extended EAP/Diameter messaging during authentication and re-authentication events, allowing flexible adaptation to different service requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250287265A1Mobile network operator (MNO) control of WIFI QOS via EAP/diameter

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

A mobile network operator (MNO) may control WiFi QoS. 3GPP has specified control mechanisms for various levels of quality of service (QOS) over the cellular access and core network. Embodiments described herein provide differentiation of WiFi QoS based on MNO requirements. In particular, extensible authentication protocol (EAP) and diameter messages may be extended to include a wireless local area network QoS parameter. This may be used by user equipment to set the uplink 802.11e User Priority (UP) for offloaded or evolved packet core-routed WiFi traffic.