WLAN-Cellular Traffic Aggregation for Seamless Service Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication networks face challenges in seamlessly integrating cellular and WLAN networks, leading to inefficient data offloading, service interruptions, and unnecessary signaling due to lack of consideration for load conditions, user experience, and mobility, especially in scenarios like cafes with open Wi-Fi.

Innovation Solution

Implementing mechanisms for tight integration and aggregation between 3GPP and WLAN networks, where the 3GPP network or WLAN network can initiate aggregation procedures, using RAN assistance parameters and ANDSF policies to manage traffic steering and offloading, enabling coordinated data exchange between cellular and WLAN links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Wi-Fi offloading is implemented using simple coverage-based strategies, then data traffic can be offloaded to Wi-Fi networks, but service interruptions occur due to IP address changes and lack of coordination between networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata traffic offloadingVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cellular and Wi-Fi networks into a unified communication framework through network aggregation. The UE simultaneously maintains connections to both cellular and Wi-Fi networks, merging their capabilities to provide continuous service. This is achieved through dual connectivity at the protocol stack level, where data can flow through both networks simultaneously or switch between them without service interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces network aggregation functionality as an intermediary layer between the UE and the two networks. This intermediary manages the complex interactions, IP address assignments, and data routing between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, shielding the UE from the complexity and preventing service interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If UE autonomously decides to switch to Wi-Fi based on signal strength, then offloading can occur quickly, but load conditions in both networks are not considered leading to inefficient resource utilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoffloading speedVSAvoidnetwork resource efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network provides information about load conditions, available resources, and aggregation opportunities to the UE. The UE uses this feedback to make informed decisions about when and how to aggregate connections, rather than relying solely on local signal strength measurements. This enables both fast response and efficient resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the network aggregation configuration dynamic and adjustable. The UE can adapt its aggregation behavior based on changing network conditions, user preferences, and service requirements. The system dynamically selects which networks to aggregate, how to distribute traffic, and when to switch between aggregation modes, optimizing both speed and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If simple Wi-Fi switching is implemented without network integration, then implementation is straightforward, but no coordination exists between cellular and Wi-Fi networks leading to service disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation complexityVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the UE with aggregation capabilities and network parameters before service interruptions can occur. The network provides advance information about available Wi-Fi networks, aggregation policies, and coordination mechanisms. This preparation enables seamless transitions and prevents service disruptions without requiring complex real-time decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If fast moving UEs are allowed to connect to Wi-Fi networks, then potential bandwidth increase is achieved, but ping-ponging between networks occurs causing service interruptions and unnecessary signaling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidservice stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining simultaneous connections to both cellular and Wi-Fi networks during aggregation. Even when the UE is moving rapidly, both network connections remain active, allowing seamless failover and preventing service interruptions. The system continuously monitors both networks and maintains data flow through the most reliable path at any given moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10880941B2Method and apparatus for traffic aggregation setup between WLAN and 3GPP

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A node of a RAN of a wide area cellular network initiates aggregation of WLAN traffic and cellular network traffic for a user equipment. The node determines to initiate aggregation of WLAN traffic and cellular network traffic for the user equipment and signals to a node of the WLAN network or the user equipment that aggregation should be initiated for the user equipment. Data is exchanged with the user equipment via a cellular radio link and using an interface between the RAN node and the WLAN node, where the traffic data on the interface is aggregated with the traffic data on the cellular radio link.