WLAN-3GPP Interworking Signaling for Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in optimizing interworking between WLAN and 3GPP Radio Access Networks, leading to suboptimal user experience, underutilization of WLAN networks, and increased battery consumption due to unnecessary scanning, especially when users connect to overloaded WLAN networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus for signaling interworking between WLAN and 3GPP Radio Access Networks, which provides RAN assistance information to user equipment (UE) for traffic steering, using broadcast and dedicated signaling to improve load balancing, user experience, and reduce battery consumption by optimizing access network mobility and selection based on radio link quality, backhaul quality, and load metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If WLAN scanning is performed continuously to maintain connectivity, then network availability is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning intervals instead of continuous scanning. The network device configures the UE with specific scanning periodicity for different WLAN frequencies and bands, allowing the UE to scan at optimized intervals rather than continuously, thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining network availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic scanning adjustment where the scanning behavior adapts based on connection status. When connected to a WLAN, the UE reduces or stops scanning; when disconnected or in idle state, scanning resumes. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between maintaining connectivity and conserving battery power.
2Productivity
If traffic steering is implemented to balance load between WLAN and 3GPP networks, then network utilization is improved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of WLAN measurement and scanning parameters through dedicated signaling before actual traffic steering occurs. The network device pre-configures measurement objects, reporting configurations, and scanning parameters, so that when traffic steering is needed, the UE already has the necessary information ready, reducing the complexity of real-time signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traffic steering functionality into separate configurable components: measurement configuration, reporting configuration, and scanning parameter configuration. Each component can be independently configured and adjusted, allowing the network to optimize each aspect separately rather than managing a monolithic complex signaling structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated signaling is used to configure interworking parameters, then configuration precision is improved, but message overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing RRCConnectionReconfiguration message for multiple purposes: it carries both the dedicated WLAN interworking configuration and other standard RRC configuration parameters. By reusing an existing multi-functional message structure rather than creating dedicated new messages for each configuration type, the patent achieves precise configuration while minimizing additional message overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for applying signaling of WLAN-3GPP interworking. The method includes receiving a first configuration of an interworking parameter by dedicated signalling, wherein the first configuration is not released when the UE enters idle mode (805). The method also includes receiving a second configuration of the interworking parameter by broadcast signalling when the UE is in idle mode (810), and overriding the first configuration with the second configuration (815).