Wireless Traffic Steering via PLMN-Specific RAN Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, when multiple mobile communication network operators share cells, the User Equipment (UE) may not receive optimized Radio Access Network (RAN) assistance information, leading to inefficient traffic steering and degraded system performance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves providing RAN assistance information specific to each Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) based on a PLMN-ID list, ensuring that each PLMN receives tailored information for optimal traffic steering, eliminating the need for explicit signaling about which PLMN each information set is intended for.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a cell operated by the first PLMN provides RAN assistance information, then the first PLMN receives optimized traffic steering information, but the second PLMN sharing the same cell does not receive optimized information
Solution Approach 1:
The RAN assistance information is segmented into multiple sets, with each set corresponding to a specific PLMN. The system divides the information delivery mechanism so that different PLMNs receiving different optimized information sets based on their identities, allowing each operator to receive tailored traffic steering parameters while sharing the same cell infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated RAN assistance information to different PLMNs. Each PLMN receives locally optimized information tailored to its specific network characteristics, traffic patterns, and operational requirements, rather than a generic universal information set. This enables each operator to maintain optimal performance on shared cells.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate signaling is used to identify which PLMN each RAN assistance information set is for, then PLMN-specific information can be delivered, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PLMN identification function with the RAN assistance information delivery by embedding the PLMN-ID list directly within the system information blocks. This combination eliminates the need for separate signaling messages to identify which information set belongs to which PLMN, as the PLMN IDs are already present in the system information that carries the RAN assistance parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing UEs to automatically match their registered PLMN identity with the corresponding RAN assistance information set using the embedded PLMN-ID list. The UE independently determines which information set applies to it without requiring additional network signaling or explicit assignment messages, thereby reducing overhead while maintaining accurate PLMN-specific delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for steering traffic performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system and a terminal using the method are provided. The method is characterized by: receiving first system information including a PLMN-ID list on which identities (ID) of a public land mobile network (PLMN) are listed according to a specific order; receiving second system information including RAN auxiliary information related to steering traffic between a first network and a second network; and steering traffic between the first and the second networks based on the first and second system information, wherein the second system information provides RAN auxiliary information for each PLMN, includes the same number of pieces of RAN auxiliary information as the number of PLMNs on the PLMN-ID list, and includes the RAN auxiliary information in the same order as the specific order of the PLMNs on the PLMN-ID list.