WO2014206858A1

WO2014206858A1 - Radio-access-network mechanism for offloading with priority booster

Info

Publication number: WO2014206858A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/062948
Authority: WO
Inventors: Janne Petteri TERVONEN; Woonhee Hwang; Jari Pekka MUSTAJÄRVI; Mika Forssell
Original assignee: Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
Priority date: 2013-06-28
Filing date: 2014-06-19
Publication date: 2014-12-31

Abstract

A method and apparatus can be configured to determine whether a condition relating to a radio access network has been met. The method can also include transmitting, by a base station, a booster value in response to the determination.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE

RADIO-ACCESS-NETWORK MECHANISM FOR OFFLOADING WITH PRIORITY

BOOSTER

BACKGROUND:

Field:

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to load balancing and coordination between different radio access technologies.

Description of the Related Art:

[0002] Long-term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for wireless communication that seeks to provide improved speed and capacity for wireless communications by using new modulation/signal processing techniques. The standard was proposed by the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and is based upon previous network technologies. Since its inception, LTE has seen extensive deployment in a wide variety of contexts involving the communication of data.

SUMMARY:

[0003] According to a first embodiment, a method may include determining whether a condition relating to a radio access network has been met. The method may also include transmitting, by a base station, a booster value in response to the determination.

[0004] In the method of the first embodiment, the transmitting includes transmitting a booster value that is configured to control a placement of a first network among other networks in traffic routing rules within an access policy.

[0005] In the method of the first embodiment, the transmitting includes transmitting a booster value configured to indicate that priorities of the first network should be increased or decreased within the traffic routing rules.

[0006] In the method of the first embodiment, the booster value is configured to control whether more or less traffic is to be offloaded to a second network.

[0007] In the method of the first embodiment, the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different subscriber sub-groups. [0008] In the method of the first embodiment, the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different types of traffic.

[0009] In the method of the first embodiment, the booster value is configured to trigger specific portions of the access policy and/or trigger specific managed-objects of the access policy.

[0010] In the method of the first embodiment, the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value directly to a user equipment.

[0011] In the method of the first embodiment, the transmitting comprises broadcasting a booster value to a plurality of user equipment.

[0012] According to a second embodiment, an apparatus may include determining means for determining whether a condition relating to a radio access network has been met. The apparatus may also include transmitting means for transmitting a booster value in response to the determination.

[0013] In the apparatus of the second embodiment, the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value that is configured to control a placement of a first network among other networks in traffic routing rules within an access policy.

[0014] In the apparatus of the second embodiment, the transmitting includes transmitting a booster value configured to indicate that priorities of the first network should be increased or decreased within the traffic routing rules.

[0015] In the apparatus of the second embodiment, the booster value is configured to control whether more or less traffic is to be offloaded to a second network.

[0016] In the apparatus of the second embodiment, the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different subscriber sub-groups.

[0017] In the apparatus of the second embodiment, the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different types of traffic.

[0018] In the apparatus of the second embodiment, the booster value is configured to trigger specific portions of the access policy and/or trigger specific managed-objects of the access policy.

[0019] In the apparatus of the second embodiment, the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value directly to a user equipment. [0020] In the apparatus of the second embodiment, the transmitting comprises broadcasting a booster value to a plurality of user equipment.

[0021] According to a third embodiment, a computer program product may be embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product may be configured to control a processor to perform a process including determining whether a condition relating to a radio access network has been met. The process may also include transmitting, by a base station, a booster value in response to the determination.

[0022] In the computer program product of the third embodiment, the transmitting includes transmitting a booster value that is configured to control a placement of a first network among other networks in traffic routing rules within an access policy.

[0023] In the computer program product of the third embodiment, the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value configured to indicate that priorities of the first network should be increased or decreased within the traffic routing rules.

[0024] In the computer program product of the third embodiment, the booster value is configured to control whether more or less traffic is to be offloaded to a second network.

[0025] In the computer program product of the third embodiment, the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different subscriber sub-groups.

[0026] In the computer program product of the third embodiment, the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different types of traffic.

[0027] In the computer program product of the third embodiment, the booster value is configured to trigger specific portions of the access policy and/or trigger specific managed- objects of the access policy.

[0028] In the computer program product of the third embodiment, the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value directly to a user equipment.

[0029] In the computer program product of the third embodiment, the transmitting comprises broadcasting a booster value to a plurality of user equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0030] For proper understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0031] Fig. 1 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a method according to embodiments of the invention.

[0032] Fig. 2 illustrates an apparatus according to embodiments of the invention.

[0033] Fig. 3 illustrates an apparatus according to embodiments of the invention.

[0034] Fig. 4 illustrates another apparatus according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0035] Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to load balancing and coordination between 3GPP and Wi-Fi Radio Access Technologies (RATs). More particularly, certain embodiments relate to offloading prioritization and Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) configuration.

[0036] A previous approach of load balancing between radio-access technologies is directed to using a 3GPP mechanism to prioritize between radio-access technologies. For example, an Absolute Priority List Information Element (IE) can be extended within a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connection Release message to support Wi-Fi. The Absolute Priority list can actually list the different RATs that are to be used and can also assign a priority to each RAT. Currently, Wi-Fi is not specified in the Absolute Priority List Information Element (IE), but Wi-Fi may be added in the future. UE uses the list in idle mode only.

[0037] The previous approach is also directed to a mechanism that uses an RAT/Frequency Selection Priority (RFSP) RAT selection priorities and optionally other related information (like thresholds) to control when a UE should consider offloading its traffic to Wi-Fi access technology (in accordance with ANDSF or Hotspot 2.0 (HS2.0) policies). RFSP may inform a Radio-Access Network (RAN) which kind of Absolute Priority List Information Element should be created. Indicators for ANDSF and HS2.0 usage can be included in the Absolute Priority List Information Element. If neither ANDSF or HS2.0 policies are listed, then the UE can just use an indicated 3GPP network. In the case that ANDSF is indicated to be used by the UE, the UE will generally use ANDSF in accordance with the ANDSF policies as they are set into the UE. Wi-Fi may be at any place among other networks in the traffic routing rules within ANDSF Inter-System Routing Policies (ISRPs) and Inter-System Mobility Policies (ISMPs). Traffic routing rules may be inside ISRP RoutingRule nodes in ANDSF Management Object nodes, or inside ISMP Prioritized Access nodes in ANDSF Management Object nodes. In case Hotspot 2.0 is indicated to be used by the UE, the UE will generally use Hotspot 2.0 provided information and policies as they are set into the UE. [0038] Another previous approach for load balancing between radio access technologies is directed to establishing and using a "Wi-Fi hotspot database" via a mechanism that enables RAN to automatically learn the availability/location of Wi-Fi networks as well as the characteristics of the Wi-Fi networks.

[0039] Another previous approach for load balancing between radio-access technologies is directed to using ANDSF Inter-System Routing Policies (ISRPs) that are extended with new criteria. The criteria may be a component in the validity conditions IE, but it may also be textual criteria without any modification to ISRP or ISMP itself. The RAN provides thresholds, and the UE derives actual values. Depending on the evaluation, ISRP network selection may be evaluated/ignored/overridden. The new criteria can be related to values received within Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) offloading assistance information from the 3GPP RAN. The new criteria can define the 3GPP RAN load condition that each ISRP is valid within. As such, an operator can define different priorities between a 3GPP RAN network and WLANs depending on the 3GPP RAN load and other parameters provided by 3GPP RAN.

[0040] In contrast with the previous approaches, which generally operate in an idle mode (by broadcasting common information to a plurality of UEs), certain embodiments of the present invention can include information in some Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages during a call setup (the information can be included in a more dedicated manner to a specific UE) or while UE is in connected mode.

[0041] In contrast with the previous approaches, certain embodiments of the present invention can dynamically add new priority rules into an Absolute Priority List Information Element of user equipment (UE) for supporting non-3GPP access technologies (such as WiFi technologies, for example), rather than having the priority rules be based on just the available static ANDSF information. As such, the use of WiFi (ANDSF/HS2.0) for 3GPP subscribers can be activated or deactivated upon occurrence of a traffic overload/congestion or be based upon whatever reason an operator may use to prioritize Wi-Fi ahead of 3GPP RAT. For example, the operator may decide to prioritize Wi-Fi ahead of 3GPP RAT for quality-of-service reasons and/or business reasons. As such, the operator may decide to prioritize Wi-Fi ahead of 3GPP RAT if a condition relating to the 3GPP RAT is met. As described above, the condition can relate to overload/congestion reasons, quality-of-service reasons, and/or business reasons.

[0042] Also, certain embodiments of the present invention can control 3GPP placement within an ANDSF policy list. If a cell becomes congested, certain embodiments can then broadcast a WLAN/3GPP booster value. In other words, if a part of a radio access network becomes congested, certain embodiments can broadcast a booster value. The booster value can indicate that 3GPP priorities, or 3GPP RAT priorities, or WLAN priorities within the list should be increased or decreased according to the indicated booster value. The booster value can also indicate that UE shall revert back to original 3GPP priority (or WLAN priority) value, for example start using 3GPP priority provided by ANDSF server earlier. The booster is valid within the 3GPP cell that the device is connected to.

[0043] As such, certain embodiments of the present invention operate in conjunction with ANDSF information and can give an additional boost, if needed. With certain embodiments, a RAN is able to dynamically adjust a cell load by broadcasting a priority booster to a plurality of UEs or by even sending one directly to a specific UE. Certain embodiments do not disregard original operator network selection preferences for the ANDSF user, as the embodiments can adjust 3GPP network selection priority within the operator defined user specific ANDSF network selection list.

[0044] Certain embodiments of the present invention can operate in conjunction with an existing RFSP structure. Embodiments of the present invention do not disregard the original operator network selection preferences for the ANDSF user. The embodiments generally only adjust 3GPP network selection priority within the operator defined user specific ANDSF network selection list.

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention can receive an indication from RAN to explicitly modify 3GPP priority in ANDSF network selection priorities.

[0046] Further, as described above, embodiments of the present invention generally do not disregard the original operator network selection preferences for the ANDSF user. Rather, certain embodiments of the present invention only adjust 3GPP network selection priorities within the operator-defined user-specific ANDSF network selection list. Therefore, with embodiments of the present invention, it is generally not necessary for the RAN to know ANDSF priorities, if the embodiments use simple "move 3GPP to top" or "move 3GPP to bottom" mechanisms. If the operator would like to have subscriber class-specific control with this mechanism, then RAN information and ANDSF information may need to be configured together. This would also enabled using +x or -y priority booster, allowing to decrease or increase 3GPP priorities in steps. This kind of booster may be used to gradually adjust a cell load. The booster does not have to be bound to a specific subscriber or a subscriber class. Even if the RAN does not know how policies have been composed, the RAN typically has an idea of what kind of effect, for example, +5 would make. Self-Organizing Network (SON) based tools can provide this information to the RAN. If the RAN does not have any information, the RAN can still try to change the booster using default steps and may see for itself what kind of effect the change has caused for the system load, and if the effect is a desired effect.

[0047] Certain embodiments of the present invention use proposed values corresponding to "normal mode of operation," "offload to WiFi," and "stop using WiFi." Certain embodiments of the present invention also convey the information using RFSP index-based signaling.

[0048] Fig. 1 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a method according to certain embodiments of the invention. The method illustrated in Fig. 1 includes, at 110, determining whether a condition relating to a radio access network has been met. The method can also include, at 120, transmitting, by a base station, a booster value in response to the determination.

[0049] Fig. 2 illustrates an apparatus 10 according to embodiments of the invention. Apparatus 10 can be a receiving device, such as a UE, for example. In other embodiments, apparatus 10 can be a base station, for example.

[0050] Apparatus 10 can include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 can be any type of general or specific purpose processor. While a single processor 22 is shown in Fig. 2, multiple processors can be utilized according to other embodiments. Processor 22 can also include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples.

[0051] Apparatus 10 can further include a memory 14, coupled to processor 22, for storing information and instructions that can be executed by processor 22. Memory 14 can be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and can be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and removable memory. For example, memory 14 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, or any other type of non- transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 14 can include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable the apparatus 10 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0052] Apparatus 10 can also include one or more antennas (not shown) for transmitting and receiving signals and/or data to and from apparatus 10. Apparatus 10 can further include a transceiver 28 that modulates information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) and demodulates information received via the antenna(s) for further processing by other elements of apparatus 10. In other embodiments, transceiver 28 can be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly.

[0053] Processor 22 can perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10 including, without limitation, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 10, including processes related to management of communication resources.

[0054] In certain embodiments, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules can include an operating system 15 that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 10. The memory can also store one or more functional modules 18, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 10. The components of apparatus 10 can be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0055] Fig. 3 illustrates an apparatus 300 according to other embodiments of the invention. Apparatus 300 can be, for example, a base station. Apparatus 300 can include a determining unit 301 that determines whether a condition relating to a radio access network has been met. Apparatus 300 can also include a transmitting unit 302 that transmits, by a base station, a booster value in response to the determination.

[0056] Fig. 4 illustrates an apparatus 400 according to other embodiments of the invention. Apparatus 400 can be, for example, a base station. Apparatus 400 can include a determining means 401 for determining whether a condition relating to a radio access network has been met. Apparatus 400 can also include a transmitting means 402 for transmitting a booster value in response to the determination.

[0057] The described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages can be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A method, comprising:

determining whether a condition relating to a radio access network has been met; and

transmitting, by a base station, a booster value in response to the determination.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value that is configured to control a placement of a first network among other networks in the traffic routing rules within an access policy.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value configured to indicate that priorities of the first network should be increased or decreased within the traffic routing rules.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the booster value is configured to control whether more or less traffic is to be offloaded to a second network.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different subscriber sub-groups.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different types of traffic.

7. The method according to any of claims 4-6, wherein the booster value is configured to trigger specific portions of the access policy and/or trigger specific managed- objects of the access policy.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 -7, wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value directly to a user equipment.

9. The method according to any of claims 1 -8, wherein the transmitting comprises broadcasting a booster value to a plurality of user equipment.

10. An apparatus, comprising:

determining means for determining whether a condition relating to a radio access network has been met; and

transmitting means for transmitting a booster value in response to the determination.

11 . The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value that is configured to control a placement of a first network among other networks in the traffic routing rules within an access policy.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value configured to indicate that priorities of the first network should be increased or decreased within the traffic routing rules.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the booster value is configured to control whether more or less traffic is to be offloaded to a second network.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different subscriber sub-groups.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different types of traffic.

16. The apparatus according to any of claims 13-15, wherein the booster value is configured to trigger specific portions of the access policy and/or trigger specific managed- objects of the access policy.

17. The apparatus according to any of claims 10-16, wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value directly to a user equipment.

18. The apparatus according to any of claims 10-17, wherein the transmitting comprises broadcasting a booster value to a plurality of user equipment.

19. A computer program product, embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium, the computer program product configured to control a processor to perform a process, comprising:

20. The computer program product according to claim 19, wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value that is configured to control a placement of a first network among other networks in the traffic routing rules within an access policy.

21. The computer program product according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value configured to indicate that priorities of the first network should be increased or decreased within the traffic routing rules.

22. The computer program product according to claim 19, wherein the booster value is configured to control whether more or less traffic is to be offloaded to a second network.

23. The computer program product according to claim 22, wherein the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different subscriber sub-groups.

24. The computer program product according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the booster value is configured to enable differentiation between different types of traffic.

25. The computer program product according to any of claims 22-24, wherein the booster value is configured to trigger specific portions of the access policy and/or trigger specific managed-objects of the access policy.

26. The computer program product according to any of claims 19-25, wherein the transmitting comprises transmitting a booster value directly to a user equipment.

27. The computer program product according to any of claims 19-26, wherein the transmitting comprises broadcasting a booster value to a plurality of user equipment.