Wireless Local Area Network Termination Change for Seamless Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area network termination (WT) changes often result in service disruptions due to the need for source WT release and target WT addition, which can cause interruptions visible to users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a WT change method that avoids service disruptions by using a 'break before make' or 'make before break' approach, or performing the change during handover, allowing seamless transitions between source and target WTs without interrupting user service, by coordinating with the eNB to manage resource allocation and data routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If source WT release and target WT addition are performed during WT change, then WT transition can be completed, but service disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the target WT connection before releasing the source WT connection. The UE performs authentication and association with the target WT prior to disconnecting from the source WT, ensuring that a valid communication path is already in place before the old path is terminated, thus preventing service disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the UE itself as an intermediary that coordinates the transition between source and target WTs. The UE actively manages the authentication, association, and disassociation processes with both WTs, orchestrating the handover to ensure continuous service by maintaining at least one active connection throughout the transition
2Ease of operation
If WT change is performed using traditional release and addition methods, then WT transition is achieved, but user-visible interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining active communication sessions throughout the WT transition. The UE keeps the source WT connection active while establishing the target WT connection, and only releases the source connection after confirming the target connection is fully operational, thereby eliminating gaps in service and preventing user-visible interruptions
3Reliability
If source WT connection is maintained during target WT addition, then service continuity is preserved, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the UE continuously monitors the status of both source and target WT connections. The UE provides feedback to the network about connection establishment success, authentication status, and service quality, enabling dynamic resource management decisions. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain optimal resource allocation while preserving service continuity during the transition
Data Source
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AI summary
A change of a wireless local area network termination (WT) can be used to avoid service disruption. By using a WT change instead of a release and addition, service interruption visible to the user can be avoided. The WT change can be performed using a (1) break before make method and/or a (2) make before break method. In addition, a WT change can also be performed (3) during handover. For example, in a (1) break before make scenario, an eNB can release a source WT before the UE associates with the target WT. In another example, in a (2) make before break scenario, an eNB can release a source WT after the UE associates with the target WT. In yet another example, in a (3) handover scenario, a UE transitions from a source WT to a target WT while transitioning from a source eNB to a target eNB.