WLAN Cellular Interworking via Mobility State Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handover processes between cellular and Wi-Fi networks are prone to disrupting device connectivity and burdening device and network resources, as they do not effectively account for the mobility state of mobile devices, leading to inefficient transitions and potential 'ping-ponging' between networks.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device configured to receive and utilize traffic-steering information, including authorized mobility states and signal strength measurements, to determine whether to transition between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, with mobility state-based scaling factors adjusting the required signal strength thresholds for handover decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handover processes are performed between cellular and Wi-Fi networks based on conventional criteria, then network traffic balancing and connectivity are improved, but device connectivity disruption and resource burden increase due to ineffective account for mobility state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the handover decision parameters by introducing mobility state information (MSI) as a critical factor. The network configures the device with mobility state thresholds and the device determines its current mobility state based on handover frequency, serving cell changes, and signal strength variations. This parameter change enables the system to adapt handover behavior to actual device motion characteristics, reducing unnecessary handovers and improving connectivity stability while managing power consumption effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network receives mobility state information from the device and uses it to adjust handover parameters. The device continuously monitors its mobility state and provides feedback to the network, which then configures appropriate handover thresholds and parameters. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that handover decisions are based on real-time mobility conditions, preventing connectivity disruption and optimizing resource usage.
2Reliability
If handover measurements are performed continuously to ensure accurate network selection, then connectivity reliability is improved, but device power expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making measurement frequency adaptive rather than static. The device adjusts the frequency of handover measurements based on its determined mobility state. When the device is in a low mobility state (stable signal conditions), measurements are performed less frequently to conserve power. When in high mobility state (rapid signal changes), measurements are performed more frequently to maintain accurate network selection. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between handover accuracy and power consumption.
3Productivity
If traffic-steering information includes authorized mobility states and signal strength thresholds, then handover efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover decision-making process into distinct functional modules: mobility state determination module (calculates MSI based on handover frequency and signal changes), traffic-steering information processing module (receives and parses network-configured thresholds and parameters), and handover execution module (compares current state with thresholds and executes handover). This segmentation allows each module to handle specific tasks efficiently, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining high handover efficiency through specialized processing.
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some embodiments, a method, apparatus, and system for performing communication using a plurality of radio access technologies (RATs) including a cellular RAT and a short-range RAT. A mobile device may be configured to receive information regarding traffic steering, i.e., cellular/short-range RAT handover, from nearby short-range access points and/or from a cellular base station. The mobile device may generate or determine mobility information of the mobile device, which indicates an amount of movement of the mobile device. The mobile device may determine whether the mobile device should transition between the cellular RAT and the short-range RAT based at least in part on the traffic-steering information and the mobility information. The mobile device may selectively transition between the cellular RAT and the short-range RAT based on the determination.