Trusted WLAN Access Network IP Allocation for UE Forward Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UE systems lack forward compatibility during authentication processes when accessing networks via S2a interfaces, leading to inefficient IP address allocation and prolonged user experience delays.
Innovation Solution
A method where a trusted WLAN access network acquires and allocates network addresses for UE based on flow routing policies, enabling simultaneous EPC and WLAN access, and optimizing IP address allocation to improve compatibility and reduce address acquisition time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE uses traditional authentication processes when accessing networks via S2a interfaces, then the authentication can be completed, but the UE lacks forward compatibility and IP address allocation is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the WLAN access network obtain the flow routing policy of the UE before completing the authentication process. This allows the network to pre-determine the appropriate IP address allocation method (local IP vs. EPC-allocated IP) based on the UE's policy, ensuring forward compatibility while improving IP address allocation efficiency. The policy is retrieved in advance during the authentication flow rather than determining it later.
2Loss of time
If the network allocates IP addresses without considering flow routing policies, then the allocation process is simple, but the user experience is delayed due to prolonged IP address acquisition time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces IP address acquisition time by performing preliminary retrieval of the UE's flow routing policy during the authentication process. The WLAN access network obtains this policy information in advance from the HSS/AAA server before finalizing IP address allocation. This allows the system to quickly determine whether to allocate a local IP or an EPC-allocated IP without adding significant complexity to the overall allocation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE accesses only one network at a time, then the network management is simple, but the UE cannot simultaneously support seamless WLAN offload and non-seamless WLAN offload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different data flows based on the UE's flow routing policy. The system allocates different types of IP addresses (local IP for WLAN offload, EPC-allocated IP for EPC access) to different flows within the same UE connection. This allows the UE to simultaneously support both seamless WLAN offload and non-seamless WLAN offload without requiring complex network management changes, as each flow is handled according to its specific policy requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a method, device, system for accessing a network address, WLAN and UE. The method comprises: a trusted WLAN access network acquires a flow routing policy of a UE; and the trusted WLAN access network allocates at least one network address for the UE according to the flow routing policy of the UE. The invention solves the problem of a UE being not forward compatible during an authentication process, so as to improve UE compatibility.