Network Manager for WLAN Offloading via Interface Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN offloading technologies are hindered by the lack of integration with cellular networks, as cellular operators lack visibility into WLAN performance data, leading to inadequate network management and resource allocation, which fails to effectively mitigate traffic congestion without network upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A network management system that includes a network manager, element managers for both WLANs and cellular networks, enabling the monitoring of WLAN performance and triggering offloading operations based on indicators, with a translation module to map non-standardized WLAN interfaces to standardized cellular network interfaces, allowing for efficient traffic distribution and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN offloading is implemented without integration to cellular network management systems, then WLAN autonomy is maintained, but cellular operators lack visibility into WLAN performance data leading to inadequate network management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface between WLAN and cellular network management systems that enables information exchange without direct integration. This intermediary layer allows cellular operators to obtain WLAN performance data while maintaining WLAN operational independence, resolving the contradiction between autonomy and visibility.
2Device complexity
If separate OAM&P systems are used for cellular networks and WLANs, then system independence is maintained, but WLAN performance data is not available in 3GPP systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface that enables both WLAN and cellular management systems to access and share performance data through a common protocol. This multi-functional interface allows separate systems to operate independently while simultaneously enabling data availability across both networks.
3Productivity
If network capacity is scaled through additional base stations or technology upgrades, then network capacity increases, but the cost of network upgrades and expansions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges WLAN and cellular network operations under a unified management framework that enables traffic offloading from cellular to WLAN networks. This combination allows the system to leverage existing WLAN infrastructure capacity without requiring additional cellular base stations or technology upgrades.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and techniques are described for supporting WLAN offloading. In some embodiments, a network management system (NMS) for WLAN offloading may include a network manager (NM); a first element manager (EM), coupled to the network manager, to communicate with the network manager and one or more WLANs; and a second EM, coupled to the NM, to communicate with the NM and one or more base stations of a cellular network. Coverage areas of at least one access point (AP) of the one or more WLANs are overlaid with at least one cell of the cellular network to support a WLAN offloading operation. Further, the NM is to activate the WLAN offloading operation based at least in part on at least one indicator received from the one or more WLANs. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.