WLAN Selection Policy to Reduce Unnecessary Network Reselection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The frequent occurrence of unnecessary access network reselection in wireless communication systems with heterogeneous networks due to varying access priorities leads to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for selecting an access network based on state information, adjusting access priorities for each user and application to reduce unnecessary network reselections and minimize access to low-priority or high-cost networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a UE frequently reselects access networks based on varying access priorities, then the system can adapt to changing network conditions, but the reselection process occurs too frequently causing unnecessary overhead and instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to network conditionsVSAvoidnetwork selection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic access priority adjustment where the network can modify access priorities for different UEs and applications based on real-time network conditions, user preferences, and application requirements. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring frequent reselections, as the priority structure itself evolves to match current needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the network monitors UE behavior, network load, and service quality, then adjusts access priorities accordingly. This feedback loop prevents unnecessary reselections by proactively optimizing the access priority configuration based on observed conditions, thereby stabilizing network selection while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the system allows flexible access network selection for different users and applications, then service quality can be optimized, but the complexity of managing multiple priorities and policies increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice quality optimizationVSAvoidpolicy management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the access priority management into distinct layers: general access priorities for different networks, application-specific priorities, and user-specific preferences. This segmentation allows each layer to be managed independently, reducing overall complexity while enabling fine-grained optimization for different service scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by allowing different access priorities and policies for different UEs, applications, and network conditions. Each UE can have customized priority settings based on its specific requirements, while the overall system maintains a manageable structure through standardized policy frameworks at each local level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If the UE selects access networks based on lowest cost priority, then operational costs are reduced, but user convenience and communication efficiency deteriorate due to frequent reselections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational costVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring access priorities and policies before the UE needs to make selection decisions. The network provides UE with prioritized access network lists and policy configurations in advance, allowing the UE to make informed selections without frequent reevaluation, thereby reducing reselection frequency while maintaining cost efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting access priority parameters based on network conditions, user behavior patterns, and service requirements. This allows the system to optimize the balance between cost and convenience by modifying parameters such as access priority weights, reselection thresholds, and policy validity periods rather than requiring fundamental changes to the selection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3955651B1Method and apparatus for effective wireless LAN selection
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3955651B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3955651B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3955651B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system comprises: obtaining, from a policy related server, policy information on an access network discovery and selection, the policy information including wireless local area network selection policy, WLANSP, information. The method further comprises identifying at least one wireless local area network, WLAN, based on the WLANSP information, selecting a WLAN supporting an S2a connectivity from the at least one WLAN, the selected WLAN having a highest priority among the at least one WLAN, and establishing a connection over the selected WLAN.