Wireless IP Connectivity via RAN Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cellular wireless communication systems, the process of handoff between packet data serving nodes (PDSNs) can take significant time, disrupting real-time media communications like VoIP due to the need for re-establishing connectivity as a device moves between PDSN serving systems.

Innovation Solution

Assigning a routable network address during the wireless device's registration with the radio access network (RAN) allows for direct packet-data connectivity, eliminating the need for a PDSN in the communication path and reducing the delay associated with inter-PDSN handoffs by enabling seamless packet-based real-time media communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional PDSN-based packet data connectivity is used, then packet data communication capability is provided, but handoff delay increases and real-time media communication is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time media communication continuityVSAvoidhandoff delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the PDSN from the communication path by establishing direct packet-data connectivity between the wireless communication device and the packet-switched network through the RAN. This eliminates the intermediate PDSN handoff step that causes delay, allowing the device to maintain connectivity during handoff without disrupting real-time media communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by assigning a routable network address to the wireless communication device during the radio network registration process, before the device needs to establish packet data connectivity. This preliminary address assignment enables the device to have ready-to-use connectivity information when entering packet data mode, eliminating the need for subsequent address resolution during handoff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If PDSN handoff is required for mobility, then packet data connectivity is maintained, but communication disruption occurs during handoff

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility supportVSAvoidcommunication continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the PDSN from the communication path by establishing direct packet-data connectivity between the wireless communication device and the packet-switched network through the RAN. This eliminates the intermediate PDSN handoff step that causes disruption, allowing the device to maintain connectivity during handoff without disrupting real-time media communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the RAN as an intermediary that provides direct packet-data connectivity to the packet-switched network. The RAN acts as a mediator that enables the wireless device to access the packet-switched network without requiring PDSN involvement, thereby eliminating handoff disruption while maintaining mobility support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional registration process is used, then device authentication is completed, but network address assignment occurs later causing connectivity delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice authenticationVSAvoidnetwork address assignment delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8169951B1Method and system for establishing wireless IP connectivity

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 SPRINT SPECTRUM LLC

AI summary

A method and system for establishing wireless IP connectivity, in which a wireless communication device (WCD) obtains a routable IP address during its registration with a radio access network, rather than first registering with the RAN and then subsequently requesting and acquiring packet-data connectivity. Preferably, when the WCD sends a radio access registration request that triggers a registration notification to a home location register (HLR), the HLR or an associated entity will assign an IP address for use by the WCD and will deliver the assigned IP address in a registration notification response message to the RAN. The RAN will then deliver the assigned IP address to the WCD over the air in a radio access registration response message. The WCD may then use the assigned IP address to engage in packet data communications, such as to set up a VoIP session with another IP node, for instance.