WLAN Access Point Selection Policy Control in Roaming Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting a Wireless LAN (WLAN) Access Point (AP) in user equipment (UE) do not satisfy operator demands and often cause conflicts between policies, particularly when UE is in a roaming network, as they rely on either home operator settings, ANDSF server information, or hot spot protocols, which may not prioritize home operator control or incur additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for UE to control WLAN AP selection by receiving information on managed object limitations, determining if in a roaming network, and selecting WLAN based on a priority list set by the home operator, which includes I-WLAN, ANDSF, and hot spot procedures, ensuring that the policy set by the home operator is not influenced by subsequent selections and allowing for efficient WLAN AP choice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE receives WLAN selection policy from the roaming network, then the WLAN selection flexibility is improved, but the home operator's policy control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary actions by determining whether it is in a roaming network before receiving WLAN selection policy. This preliminary check enables the system to prevent premature or inappropriate policy reception from roaming networks, thereby maintaining home operator control while allowing flexibility only when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts WLAN selection policy reception based on network conditions. When the UE detects it is in a roaming network, it conditionally receives policies from the roaming network; otherwise, it relies on home operator policies. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting to different operational contexts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE supports all three WLAN selection alternatives (I-WLAN, ANDSF, hot spot), then the WLAN selection adaptability is improved, but policy conflicts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The WLAN selection process is segmented into distinct alternatives (I-WLAN, ANDSF, hot spot) with clear separation of their application contexts. The UE determines which alternative to use based on specific conditions, such as whether it is in a roaming network, thereby preventing policy conflicts that would arise from simultaneous or ambiguous application of all alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
Different WLAN selection alternatives are applied with different local qualities or priorities based on the operational context. For example, I-WLAN may be prioritized in roaming networks while ANDSF policies are used in home networks. This contextual differentiation eliminates policy conflicts by ensuring that each policy type is applied only where it is appropriate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE uses hot spot solution based on query to WLAN AP, then the WLAN selection adaptability is improved, but additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs partial actions by selectively using the hot spot solution only when necessary, rather than continuously querying all WLAN APs. The system determines whether to invoke hot spot-based selection based on specific conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary costs while maintaining adaptability when the hot spot solution provides unique value.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) selection in a wireless communication system. Information on a limitation of managed objects, indicating whether to allow reception of a WLAN selection policy from a roaming network, is received. It is determined whether a User Equipment (UE) exists in the roaming network. It is determined whether to receive the WLAN selection policy from the roaming network based on the information on the limitation of the managed objects, when the UE exists in the roaming network. The WLAN selection policy is received from the roaming network, when it is determined that the WLAN selection policy is to be received from the roaming network. A WLAN is selected according to a policy set for the UE, when it is determined that the WLAN selection policy is not to be received from the roaming network.