WLAN Access Network Selection for Home PLMN PDN-GW Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN Access Network selection procedures fail to provide appropriate network selection for User Equipment (UE) requiring access to a Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW) in both the Home PLMN and Visited PLMN, leading to potential service disruptions and performance issues, especially for services requiring IP address preservation.
Innovation Solution
A method for WLAN Access Network selection by User Equipment (UE) that includes selecting a WLAN Access Network with connectivity to at least one PDN-GW in the Home PLMN, utilizing information on connectivity to PDN-GWs, and configuring the UE with indicators for HPLMN PDN-GW access requirements to ensure IP address preservation across both Home and Visited PLMNs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current WLAN Access Network selection procedures are used, then the selection process is simple, but it fails to provide appropriate network selection for UEs requiring access to PDN-GW in both Home PLMN and Visited PLMN
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE retrieve and store connectivity information about PDN-GWs in Home PLMN before actually needing to establish a connection. This pre-retrieved information is then used during network selection to quickly identify suitable WLAN Access Networks without requiring complex real-time queries, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE continuously monitors and stores connectivity information about available PDN-GWs and WLAN networks. This feedback loop allows the UE to make informed network selection decisions based on actual connectivity status, ensuring reliable service continuity while keeping the selection process straightforward through iterative refinement rather than complex algorithms.
2Reliability
If UE selects WLAN Access Network without considering PDN-GW connectivity information, then the selection process is fast, but it leads to service disruptions for services requiring IP address preservation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-retrieving and storing connectivity information about PDN-GWs in the Home PLMN before the UE needs to establish a connection. This pre-fetched information is immediately available during network selection, allowing the UE to quickly identify suitable WLAN Access Networks that support IP address preservation without adding significant selection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously use its own stored connectivity information and previously retrieved PDN-GW details to make network selection decisions. The UE leverages its own history and cached data to independently determine the best network without requiring external intervention or complex real-time queries, thus maintaining speed while ensuring IP address preservation.
3Reliability
If UE is configured with indicators for HPLMN PDN-GW access requirements, then service continuity is ensured, but the configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously determine and configure its own network selection criteria based on stored connectivity information and service requirements. The UE automatically identifies when HPLMN PDN-GW access is needed and configures appropriate indicators without requiring manual network operator configuration, thus ensuring service continuity while minimizing configuration complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the UE's network selection parameters based on stored connectivity information and service requirements. The UE modifies its selection criteria by changing parameters such as priority weights and connectivity thresholds according to the specific service needs and available network conditions, ensuring reliable service continuity through adaptive parameter adjustment rather than complex static configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include a method for WLAN Access Network WLAN-AN selection by an User Equipment UE for access to a mobile network PLMN, said selection including, for an UE roaming in a Visited PLMN VPLMN and requiring a Packet Data Network Gateway PDN-GW in its Home PLMN HPLMN, selection of a WLAN-AN having connectivity to at least one PDN-GW in said HPLMN, based on information on connectivity to at least one PDN-GW in said HPLMN of WLAN-ANs candidate for said selection, referred to as connectivity information.