WLAN WWAN Call Migration via Enterprise LAN Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection migration methods between WLANs and WWANs for mobile communication devices incur high costs and limitations, particularly due to the need for all intra-enterprise calls to be routed through the cellular network, which restricts the use of enterprise infrastructure capabilities and increases costs for enterprise users.
Innovation Solution
Intra-enterprise wireless handset calls are established directly within the local area network (LAN) without routing through the cellular network, with the option to switch to a cellular network route only when a vertical handover is necessary, allowing seamless transition and utilization of enterprise telecommunication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all intra-enterprise calls are routed through the cellular network to enable vertical handover anchoring, then vertical handover capability is achieved, but call costs increase and enterprise infrastructure capabilities are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing call anchoring in the cellular network only when necessary (upon detecting handover conditions), rather than always. The method monitors signal strength and triggers cellular anchoring only when WLAN signal degrades below a threshold, avoiding unnecessary cellular routing for calls that remain within WLAN coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The call anchoring is made dynamic rather than static. The system can switch the anchoring point between enterprise infrastructure and cellular network based on real-time conditions. The method dynamically adjusts the call path by transferring anchoring from cellular network back to enterprise infrastructure once handover is complete or conditions change.
2Reliability
If all intra-enterprise calls are routed through the cellular network, then vertical handover is supported, but enterprise infrastructure capabilities cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for potential vertical handover by maintaining the capability to anchor calls in the cellular network, but only activates this path when handover conditions are detected. This allows enterprise infrastructure to handle normal calls while cellular network remains ready as a backup, maximizing enterprise infrastructure utilization while preserving handover capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between enterprise infrastructure anchoring and cellular network anchoring based on real-time conditions. During normal operation, enterprise infrastructure is used; when handover is needed, anchoring transfers to cellular network; after handover, it can transfer back to enterprise infrastructure, allowing both systems to be utilized appropriately.
3Ease of manufacture
If call anchoring is performed in the enterprise network, then enterprise infrastructure is utilized, but vertical handover execution delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a pre-configured cellular network path and anchoring capability before handover is needed. When handover conditions arise, the system can quickly activate the pre-prepared cellular anchoring path, reducing the delay compared to establishing connections in real-time during handover.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular network acts as an intermediary during vertical handover. By using the cellular network as an intermediate anchoring point during the transition, the system can maintain call continuity while reducing the burden on enterprise infrastructure and speeding up the handover process through cellular network's faster call leg setup.
4Reliability
If intra-enterprise calls are routed through the cellular network, then call anchoring for handover is enabled, but call setup latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of cellular network anchoring capabilities without establishing active call paths. When handover is needed, the pre-configured paths can be activated quickly. The system monitors conditions and prepares anchoring relationships in advance, reducing the time needed when actual handover occurs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Intra-enterprise wireless handset (WH) calls between WHs operating in a wireless local area network (WLAN) are established directly between the WHs via a call connection that is maintained within the LAN without being routed through the cellular network (CN). This eliminates the cost of placing and maintaining calls through the CN for intra-enterprise calls, and also enables use of capabilities that are available in the enterprise telecomm equipment. Upon detection of a trigger condition, if and when it is more likely that a complete vertical handover (VHO) may be needed, the call connection between the WHs in the LAN is replaced by one that is routed through the CN. Thereafter, a VHO may occur (if at all) upon detection of a radio handover condition.