Access network selection in a multi-access network environment
First Claim
1. A method of access network selection in a multi-access network environment with a plurality of access networks, the plurality of access networks comprising a first subgroup of access networks and a second subgroup of access networks which are not part of the first subgroup of access networks,wherein at least a first access selection function and a second access selection function are provided, the first access selection function being configured to select an access network from the first subgroup on the basis of a first set of selection rules and the second access selection function being configured to select at least one access network from both the first subgroup and the second subgroup on the basis of a second set of selection rules,wherein the method comprises:
- making a selection priority information of the first access selection function available to the second access selection function, wherein the selection priority information indicates a priority order with which the first access selection function selects access networks in the first subgroup.
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Abstract
Novel techniques of access network selection in multi-access network environment are provided, which allow for avoiding access selection loops for independent access selection processes. The multi-access network environment provides a first access selection function, e.g. a 3GPP access selection function, and a second access selection function, e.g. an ANDSF based access selection function. At least a portion of the first access selection function (565) may be implemented by a network component (560). At least a portion of the second access selection function (110) may be implemented by a user equipment (100), e.g. a mobile terminal. According to the proposed concepts, a selection priority information of the first access selection function (565) is made available to the second access selection function (110).
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Citations
42 Claims
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1. A method of access network selection in a multi-access network environment with a plurality of access networks, the plurality of access networks comprising a first subgroup of access networks and a second subgroup of access networks which are not part of the first subgroup of access networks,
wherein at least a first access selection function and a second access selection function are provided, the first access selection function being configured to select an access network from the first subgroup on the basis of a first set of selection rules and the second access selection function being configured to select at least one access network from both the first subgroup and the second subgroup on the basis of a second set of selection rules, wherein the method comprises: making a selection priority information of the first access selection function available to the second access selection function, wherein the selection priority information indicates a priority order with which the first access selection function selects access networks in the first subgroup. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A network component for use in a multi-access network environment with a plurality of access networks, the plurality of access networks comprising a first subgroup of access networks and a second subgroup of access networks which are not part of the first subgroup of access networks,
wherein the multi-access network environment provides at least a first access selection function and a second access selection function, the first access selection function being configured to select an access network from the first subgroup on the basis of a first set of selection rules and the second access selection function being configured to select an access network from both the first subgroup and the second subgroup on the basis of a second set of selection rules, and wherein the network component comprises one or more processors configured to make a selection priority information of the first access selection function available to the second access selection function, wherein the selection priority information indicates a priority order with which the first access selection function selects access networks in the first subgroup.
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21. A user equipment for use in a multi-access network environment with a plurality of access networks, the plurality of access networks comprising a first subgroup of access networks and a second subgroup of access networks which are not part of the first subgroup of access networks,
wherein the multi-access network environment provides at least a first access selection function and a second access selection function, the first access selection function being configured to select an access network from the first subgroup on the basis of a first set of selection rules and the second access selection function being configured to select at least one access network from both the first subgroup and the second subgroup on the basis of a second set of selection rules, and wherein the user equipment is configured to make a selection priority information of the first access selection function available to the second access selection function, wherein the selection priority information indicates a priority order with which the first access selection function selects access networks in the first subgroup.
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31. A network system for use in a multi-access network environment with a plurality of access networks, the plurality of access networks comprising a first subgroup of access networks and a second subgroup of access networks which are not part of the first subgroup of access networks,
wherein the network system comprises at least one network component which implements at least a portion of a first access selection function, and a user equipment, a further network component, or both which implement at least a portion of a second access selection function, wherein the first access selection function is configured to select an access network from the first subgroup on the basis of a first set of selection rules and the second access selection function is configured to select at least one access network from both the first subgroup and the second subgroup on the basis of a second set of selection rules, and wherein the network system is configured to make a selection priority information of the first access selection function available to the second access selection function, wherein the selection priority information indicates a priority order with which the first access selection function selects access networks in the first subgroup.
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41. A computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium and comprising program code that when executed on a computer system controls access network selection in a multi-access network environment with a plurality of access networks, the plurality of access networks comprising a first subgroup of access networks and a second subgroup of access networks which are not part of the first subgroup of access networks,
wherein at least a first access selection function and a second access selection function are provided, the first access selection function being configured to select an access network from the first subgroup on the basis of a first set of selection rules and the second access selection function being configured to select at least one access network from both the first subgroup and the second subgroup on the basis of a second set of selection rules, wherein the program code controls access network selection by making a selection priority information of the first access selection function available to the second access selection function, wherein the selection priority information indicates a priority order with which the first access selection function selects access networks in the first subgroup.
Specification