WLAN Coverage Detection via Cellular Measurement Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular network technologies face challenges in determining whether a user equipment (UE) is within the coverage of a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point, leading to inefficient power usage and degraded user experience due to unnecessary continuous searches and potential failure in finding available APs.
Innovation Solution
A network node acquires AP identifiers and measurement results from UEs to determine if they are within WLAN coverage, allowing for precise access instructions when necessary, such as during packet data transmission, thereby saving battery power and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE continuously searches for available APs using the WLAN access module, then the UE can discover WLAN coverage, but the power consumption of the UE increases and usable time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs preliminary actions by determining UE coverage status within WLAN using cellular network measurement results before the UE initiates active scanning. The network node compares current UE measurement results with historical measurement results stored in the database to predict whether the UE is within WLAN coverage, thereby avoiding unnecessary continuous scanning by the UE and reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable WLAN discovery
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network node continuously receives measurement results from the UE and compares them against stored historical data. This feedback loop allows the network node to dynamically determine whether the UE has entered or exited WLAN coverage areas, enabling the network to control when the UE should activate its WLAN access module, thus balancing discovery reliability with power conservation
2Ease of operation
If the cellular network instructs the UE to start WLAN access module search, then the UE can access WLAN when in coverage, but the search may fail when UE is not within AP coverage due to wider cellular cell coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs preliminary determination of whether the UE is within AP coverage by comparing cellular network measurement results before instructing the UE to start WLAN access module search. Historical measurement results associated with specific cellular cell identifiers are retrieved and compared with current measurements to predict WLAN coverage status, ensuring that the UE only initiates searches when actually within or near AP coverage areas, thereby improving both convenience and success rate
Solution Approach 2:
The network node acts as an intermediary between the cellular network and the UE's WLAN access module. It uses cellular network measurement results as an intermediate indicator to infer WLAN coverage status, bridging the gap between the wider cellular coverage area and the narrower WLAN coverage area. This intermediary determination mechanism prevents false positive search instructions when the UE is outside AP coverage
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE autonomously searches for WLAN without network assistance, then the UE can find available APs, but the search consumes more power and reduces usable time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables a form of self-service where the network node autonomously performs the coverage determination function that would otherwise require the UE to continuously scan. By having the network node monitor cellular measurement results and determine WLAN coverage status, the UE is freed from continuous autonomous scanning, reducing its power consumption and extending usable time while maintaining the ability to discover WLAN when needed
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a wireless local area network discovery method, a device, and a system. The method specifically includes: acquiring an AP identifier of an access point AP of a wireless local area network and a first measurement result that is obtained by a first user equipment UE by measuring a cellular network cell, where the AP identifier is associated with the first measurement result; acquiring a second measurement result that is obtained by a second UE by measuring the cellular network cell; and determining, according to the second measurement result and the first measurement result, whether the second UE is located within coverage of the AP. By using the technical solutions in embodiments of the present invention, it may be determined that the second UE is located within the coverage of the AP, and the AP is accurately accessed when it is necessary, which improves user experience, and avoids a waste, of battery power of the UE, which is caused due to continuous search for available APs.