Patent Description:
Some embodiments described herein generally relate to User Equipment (UE) centric traffic routing.

A wireless communication device, e.g., a mobile device, may be configured to utilize multiple wireless communication technologies.

For example, a User Equipment (UE) device may be configured to utilize a cellular connection, e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular connection, as well as a wireless-local-area-network (WLAN) connection, e.g., a Wireless-Fidelity (WiFi) connection.

The UE may be configured to automatically utilize a WiFi connection, for example, as long as a Wi-Fi signal received by the UE is strong enough.

The article "<NPL> discloses that the UE reports WLAN related information to the RAN.

The article "<NPL> discloses traffic steering by a UE based on WLAN load and signal quality.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity of presentation. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some embodiments. However, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the discussion.

Discussions herein utilizing terms such as, for example, "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "establishing", "analyzing", "checking", or the like, may refer to operation(s) and/or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer's registers and/or memories or other information storage medium that may store instructions to perform operations and/or processes.

The terms "plurality" and "a plurality", as used herein, include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more". For example, "a plurality of items" includes two or more items.

References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "demonstrative embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first," "second," "third," etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with various devices and systems, for example, a Personal Computer (PC), a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a Smartphone device, a server computer, a handheld computer, a handheld device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) device, a handheld PDA device, an on-board device, an off-board device, a hybrid device, a vehicular device, a non-vehicular device, a mobile or portable device, a consumer device, a non-mobile or non-portable device, a wireless communication station, a wireless communication device, a wireless Access Point (AP), a wired or wireless router, a wired or wireless modem, a video device, an audio device, an audio-video (A/V) device, a wired or wireless network, a wireless area network, a cellular network, a cellular node, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transceiver or device, a Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) transceiver or device, a Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) transceiver or device, a device having one or more internal antennas and/or external antennas, Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) devices or systems, multi-standard radio devices or systems, a wired or wireless handheld device, e.g., a Smartphone, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) device, vending machines, sell terminals, and the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and/or Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications (including "<NPL>; and "<NPL>) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing Wireless-Gigabit-Alliance (WGA) specifications (<NPL>) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing IEEE <NUM> standards (<NPL>), and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing IEEE <NUM> standards (IEEE-Std <NUM>, <NUM> Edition, Air Interface for Fixed Broadband Wireless Access Systems; IEEE-Std <NUM>. 16e, <NUM> Edition, Physical and Medium Access Control Layers for Combined Fixed and Mobile Operation in Licensed Bands; amendment to IEEE Std <NUM>-<NUM>, developed by Task Group m) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing WirelessHD™ specifications and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, units and/or devices which are part of the above networks, and the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with one or more types of wireless communication signals and/or systems, for example, Radio Frequency (RF), Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM), Orthogonal FDM (OFDM), Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM), Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Extended TDMA (E-TDMA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), extended GPRS, Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), CDMA <NUM>, single-carrier CDMA, multi-carrier CDMA, Multi-Carrier Modulation (MDM), Discrete Multi-Tone (DMT), Bluetooth®, Global Positioning System (GPS), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Max, ZigBee™, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), second generation (<NUM>), <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, Fifth Generation (<NUM>) mobile networks, 3GPP, Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular system, LTE advance cellular system, High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), HSPA+, Single Carrier Radio Transmission Technology (1XRTT), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), and the like. Other embodiments may be used in various other devices, systems and/or networks.

The term "wireless device", as used herein, includes, for example, a device capable of wireless communication, a communication device capable of wireless communication, a communication station capable of wireless communication, a portable or non-portable device capable of wireless communication, or the like. In some demonstrative embodiments, a wireless device may be or may include a peripheral that is integrated with a computer, or a peripheral that is attached to a computer. In some demonstrative embodiments, the term "wireless device" may optionally include a wireless service.

The term "communicating" as used herein with respect to a wireless communication signal includes transmitting the wireless communication signal and/or receiving the wireless communication signal. For example, a wireless communication unit, which is capable of communicating a wireless communication signal, may include a wireless transmitter to transmit the wireless communication signal to at least one other wireless communication unit, and/or a wireless communication receiver to receive the wireless communication signal from at least one other wireless communication unit.

Some demonstrative embodiments are described herein with respect to a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) cellular system. However, other embodiments may be implemented in any other suitable cellular network, e.g., a <NUM> cellular network, a <NUM> cellular network, an LTE network, a <NUM> cellular network, a WiMax cellular network, and the like.

Some demonstrative embodiments are described herein with respect to a WLAN system. However, other embodiments may be implemented in any other suitable non-cellular network.

Some demonstrative embodiments may be used in conjunction with a Heterogeneous Network (HetNet), which may utilize a deployment of a mix of technologies, frequencies, cell sizes and/or network architectures, e.g., including cellular, mmWave, and/or the like. In one example, the HetNet may include a radio access network having layers of different-sized cells ranging from large macrocells to small cells, for example, picocells and femtocells.

Other embodiments may be used in conjunction with any other wireless communication network.

The term "antenna", as used herein, may include any suitable configuration, structure and/or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies and/or arrays. In some embodiments, the antenna may implement transmit and receive functionalities using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In some embodiments, the antenna may implement transmit and receive functionalities using common and/or integrated transmit/receive elements. The antenna may include, for example, a phased array antenna, a single element antenna, a dipole antenna, a set of switched beam antennas, and/or the like.

The term "cell", as used herein, may include a combination of network resources, for example, downlink and optionally uplink resources. The resources may be controlled and/or allocated, for example, by a cellular node (also referred to as a "base station"), or the like. The linking between a carrier frequency of the downlink resources and a carrier frequency of the uplink resources may be indicated in system information transmitted on the downlink resources.

The phrase "access point" (AP), as used herein, may include an entity that includes a station (STA) and provides access to distribution services, via the Wireless Medium (WM) for associated STAs.

The term "station" (STA), as used herein, may include any logical entity that is a singly addressable instance of a medium access control (MAC) and a physical layer (PHY) interface to the WM.

The phrases "directional multi-gigabit (DMG)" and "directional band" (DBand), as used herein, may relate to a frequency band wherein the Channel starting frequency is above <NUM>.

The phrases "DMG STA" and "mmWave STA (mSTA)" may relate to a STA having a radio transmitter, which is operating on a channel that is within the DMG band.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a block diagram of a system <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

As shown in <FIG>, in some demonstrative embodiments, system <NUM> may include one or more wireless communication devices capable of communicating content, data, information and/or signals via one or more wireless mediums <NUM>. For example, system <NUM> may include at least one User Equipment (UE) <NUM> capable of communicating with one or more wireless communication networks, e.g., as described below.

Wireless mediums <NUM> may include, for example, a radio channel, a cellular channel, an RF channel, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) channel, an IR channel, and the like. One or more elements of system <NUM> may optionally be capable of communicating over any suitable wired communication links.

In some demonstrative embodiments, system <NUM> may include at least one cellular network <NUM>, e.g., including a cell controlled by a cellular node ("node") <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, system <NUM> may include a non-cellular network <NUM>, for example, a WLAN, e.g., a Basic Service Set (BSS), managed by an Access Point (AP) <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, non-cellular network <NUM> may at least partially be within a coverage area of cellular network <NUM>. For example, AP <NUM> may be within a coverage area of node <NUM>.

In other embodiments, non-cellular network <NUM> may be outside of the coverage area of cellular network <NUM>. For example, AP <NUM> may be outside of the coverage area of node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, cell <NUM> may be part of a UMTS and node <NUM> may include a Node B. For example, node <NUM> may be configured to communicate directly with UEs within the coverage area of cell <NUM>, e.g., including UE <NUM>. Node <NUM> may communicate with the UEs, for example, using a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and/or Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) air interface technology.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may be controlled by a Radio Network Controller (RNC) <NUM>, form example a UMTS RNC, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may include an Interface, for example, an Interface Unit b (Iub) <NUM>, and RNC <NUM> may include an Iub <NUM>, to communicate between RNC <NUM> and node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, Iub <NUM> and Iub <NUM> may communicate according to a Node-B Application Part (NBAP) signaling protocol.

In other embodiments, node <NUM> and RNC <NUM> may communicate via any other interface and/or using any other signaling protocol.

In other embodiments, node <NUM> and/or RNC <NUM> may be part of any other cellular network, e.g., a LTE network, node <NUM> may include any other functionality and/or may perform the functionality of any other cellular node, e.g., an Evolved Node B (eNB), a base station or any other node or device. For example, if node <NUM> includes an eNB, then at least part of the functionality of RNC <NUM> may be performed by node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM> may include, for example, a mobile computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an Ultrabook™ computer, a mobile internet device, a handheld computer, a handheld device, a storage device, a PDA device, a handheld PDA device, an on-board device, an off-board device, a hybrid device (e.g., combining cellular phone functionalities with PDA device functionalities), a consumer device, a vehicular device, a non-vehicular device, a mobile or portable device, a mobile phone, a cellular telephone, a PCS device, a mobile or portable GPS device, a DVB device, a relatively small computing device, a non-desktop computer, a "Carry Small Live Large" (CSLL) device, an Ultra Mobile Device (UMD), an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), a Mobile Internet Device (MID), a video device, an audio device, an A/V device, a gaming device, a media player, a Smartphone, or the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM> may include one or more wireless communication units to perform wireless communication between UE <NUM>, node <NUM>, AP <NUM> and/or with one or more other wireless communication devices, e.g., as described below. For example, UE <NUM> may include a wireless communication unit <NUM> and/or node <NUM> may include a wireless communication unit <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication units <NUM> and <NUM> may include, or may be associated with, one or more antennas. In one example, wireless communication unit <NUM> may be associated with at least two antennas, e.g., antennas <NUM> and <NUM>, or any other number of antennas, e.g., one antenna or more than two antennas; and/or wireless communication unit <NUM> may be associated with at least two antennas, e.g., antennas <NUM> and <NUM>, or any other number of antennas, e.g., one antenna or more than two antennas.

In some demonstrative embodiments, antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include any type of antennas suitable for transmitting and/or receiving wireless communication signals, blocks, frames, transmission streams, packets, messages and/or data. For example, antennas <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM> and/or <NUM> may include any suitable configuration, structure and/or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies and/or arrays. For example, antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include a phased array antenna, a dipole antenna, a single element antenna, a set of switched beam antennas, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may implement transmit and receive functionalities using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In some embodiments, antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> may implement transmit and receive functionalities using common and/or integrated transmit/receive elements.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication unit <NUM> may include at least one radio <NUM> and/or wireless communication unit <NUM> may include at least one radio <NUM>. For example, radios <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include one or more wireless transmitters, receivers and/or transceivers able to send and/or receive wireless communication signals, RF signals, frames, blocks, transmission streams, packets, messages, data items, and/or data.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least one radio <NUM> may include a WLAN transceiver (TRx) <NUM> to communicate with AP <NUM> over a WLAN link, and a cellular transceiver <NUM> to communicate with node <NUM> over a cellular link.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radio <NUM> may include a cellular transceiver <NUM> to communicate with UE <NUM> over the cellular link.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the WLAN link may include, for example, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) link, a Wireless Gigabit (WiGig) link, or any other link.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the WLAN link may include, for example, a link over the <NUM> Gigahertz (GHz) or <NUM> frequency band, the <NUM> frequency band, or any other frequency band.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication unit <NUM> may include at least one controller <NUM> to control communications performed by radio <NUM>, RNC <NUM> may include one or more controllers <NUM> to control communications performed by Iub <NUM>, and/or node <NUM> may include at least one controller <NUM> to control communications performed by radio <NUM> and/or Iub <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radios <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmitters receivers system (not shown), which may be capable of performing antenna beamforming methods, if desired. In other embodiments, radios <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include any other transmitters and/or receivers.

In some demonstrative embodiments, cellular TRx <NUM> and/or cellular TRx <NUM> may include WCDMA and/or TD-SCDMA modulators and/or demodulators (not shown) configured to communicate downlink signals over downlink channels, e.g., between node <NUM> and UE <NUM>, and uplink signals over uplink channels, e.g., between UE <NUM> and node <NUM>. In other embodiments, radios <NUM> and/or <NUM> and/or cellular TRx <NUM> and/or cellular TRx <NUM> may include any other modulators and/or demodulators.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication unit <NUM> may establish a WLAN link with AP <NUM>. For example, wireless communication unit <NUM> may perform the functionality of one or more STAs, e.g., one or more WiFi STAs, WLAN STAs, and/or DMG STAs. The WLAN link may include an uplink and/or a downlink. The WLAN downlink may include, for example, a unidirectional link from AP <NUM> to the one or more STAs or a unidirectional link from a Destination STA to a Source STA. The uplink may include, for example, a unidirectional link from a STA to AP <NUM> or a unidirectional link from the Source STA to the Destination STA.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM>, RNC <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM> may also include, for example, one or more of a processor <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, an output unit <NUM>, a memory unit <NUM>, and a storage unit <NUM>. UE <NUM>, RNC <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM> may optionally include other suitable hardware components and/or software components. In some demonstrative embodiments, some or all of the components of one or more of UE <NUM>, RNC <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM> may be enclosed in a common housing or packaging, and may be interconnected or operably associated using one or more wired or wireless links. In other embodiments, components of one or more of UE <NUM>, RNC <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM> may be distributed among multiple or separate devices.

Processor <NUM> includes, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), one or more processor cores, a single-core processor, a dual-core processor, a multiple-core processor, a microprocessor, a host processor, a controller, a plurality of processors or controllers, a chip, a microchip, one or more circuits, circuitry, a logic unit, an Integrated Circuit (IC), an Application-Specific IC (ASIC), or any other suitable multi-purpose or specific processor or controller. Processor <NUM> executes instructions, for example, of an Operating System (OS) of UE <NUM>, RNC <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM> and/or of one or more suitable applications.

Input unit <NUM> includes, for example, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touch-screen, a touch-pad, a track-ball, a stylus, a microphone, or other suitable pointing device or input device. Output unit <NUM> includes, for example, a monitor, a screen, a touch-screen, a flat panel display, a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) display unit, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) display unit, a plasma display unit, one or more audio speakers or earphones, or other suitable output devices.

Memory unit <NUM> includes, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Synchronous DRAM (SD-RAM), a flash memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a cache memory, a buffer, a short term memory unit, a long term memory unit, or other suitable memory units. Storage unit <NUM> includes, for example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a Compact Disk (CD) drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, or other suitable removable or non-removable storage units. Memory unit <NUM> and/or storage unit <NUM>, for example, may store data processed by UE <NUM>, RNC <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM> may be configured utilize a cellular connection, e.g., a UMTS cellular connection or any other cellular connection, to communicate with node <NUM>, and a WLAN connection, e.g., a Wireless-Fidelity (WiFi) connection, a mmWave connection, a P2P connection, or any other WLAN connection, to communicate with AP <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, one or more elements of system <NUM> may perform the functionality of a HetNet, which may utilize a deployment of a mix of technologies, frequencies, cell sizes and/or network architectures, for example, including cellular, WLAN, and/or the like.

For example, the HetNet may be configured to provide a service through a first wireless communication environment, e.g., a cellular network, and to maintain the service when switching to another communication environment, e.g., WLAN. The HetNet architecture may enable utilizing a mixture of wireless communication environments, e.g., a WLAN environment and a cellular environment, for example, to optimally respond to rapid changes in customer demand, reduce power consumption, reduce cost, increase efficiency and/or achieve any other benefit.

In one example, system <NUM> may utilize a Multi-tier, Multi-Radio Access Technology (Multi-RAT) Het-Net architecture, including a tier of small cells, e.g., pico, femto, relay stations, WiFi APs, and the like, overlaid on top of a macro cellular deployment to augment network capacity.

In another example, system <NUM> may utilize Multi-RAT small cells integrating multiple radios such as WiFi and 3GPP air interfaces in a single infrastructure device.

In other embodiments, system <NUM> may implement any other architecture and/or deployment.

In some demonstrative embodiments, utilizing the WLAN connection as a default connection, e.g., as long as UE <NUM> receives from AP <NUM> a strong enough signal, may result in an increase in the congestion of the WLAN, e.g., if a large number of UEs simultaneously connect to the same AP, which in turn may result in a decrease of throughput over the WLAN connection between UE <NUM> and AP <NUM>.

Additionally or alternatively, UE <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM> may be configured to enable selective traffic routing, for example, based on one or more criteria and/or parameters, e.g., as described in detail below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM> may be configured to enable selective connection of UE <NUM> to the WLAN or the cellular network <NUM>, for example, based on one or more criteria and/or parameters, e.g., as described in detail below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the selective connection between UE <NUM> and node <NUM> or AP <NUM> may enable, for example, load balancing between the WLAN and the cellular network.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM>, UE <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM> may be configured to facilitate UE-centric (also referred to as "UE controlled") traffic routing.

The phrase "UE-centric traffic routing" as used herein may refer to UE-centric selection of at least one radio network to be used for communicating traffic ("UE-centric access network selection") and/or UE-centric steering of traffic via at least one radio network (UE-centric traffic steering"). For example, the traffic routing may include network access selection of an access network to be utilized by the UE; and/or selection of at least one access network to be used for routing at least one type of traffic.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM>, UE <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM> may be configured to facilitate a UE-centric traffic routing scheme including an access network selection scheme, in which UE <NUM> may select an access network to be utilized by UE <NUM>. For example, UE <NUM> may select the access network based on network assistance information, which may be received from RNC <NUM>, e.g., via node <NUM>, and/or based on any other information and/or criteria from any other element of system <NUM>, e.g., as described below. Additionally or alternatively, RNC <NUM>, UE <NUM>, node <NUM> and/or AP <NUM> may be configured to facilitate a UE-centric traffic steering (routing), in which UE <NUM> may route certain types of traffic to certain access networks based on network assistance information.

Some demonstrative embodiments may be implemented, for example, without requiring any changes for WLAN interfaces, e.g., by utilizing existing WLAN functionality.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may be configured to provide to UE <NUM>, e.g., via node <NUM>, UE assistance information to assist UE <NUM> in the access network selection and/or traffic steering, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the UE assistance information may be based on one or more parameters of cellular network <NUM>, for example, a load of cellular network <NUM> and/or any other parameter, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may be configured to provide to UE <NUM>, e.g., via node <NUM>, the UE assistance information in the form of a value of at least one predefined parameter, which may be used by the UE <NUM> as part of access network selection and/or a traffic routing decision ("UE assistance parameter", also referred to as the "access network selection and/or traffic routing parameter"), e.g., as described in detail below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM> may control access network selection and/or traffic steering based on the value of the UE assistance parameter received from node <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the UE-assistance parameter may include a parameter related to a cellular network load of the cellular network <NUM> ("the cellular load-related parameter"), e.g., as described below.

In other embodiments, the UE assistance parameter may include any other parameter, which may be explicitly or implicitly related to the cellular network load and/or to any other attribute of the cellular network <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the UE assistance parameter may include a cellular threshold value of a cellular parameter of cellular network <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may control access network selection and/or traffic routing of UE <NUM> with respect to a WLAN, e.g., WLAN <NUM>, for example, based on the cellular threshold value and a value of the cellular parameter of cellular network <NUM>, as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the cellular threshold value may include a Received Signal Code Power (RSCP) threshold. For example, UE <NUM> may receive the RSCP threshold from node <NUM>, and controller <NUM> may control traffic routing of UE <NUM> based on the RSCP threshold.

In one example, controller <NUM> may select to use cellular network <NUM>, e.g., as long as an RSCP measurement of signals from node <NUM> is above the RSCP threshold. Controller <NUM> may select to use WLAN <NUM>, e.g., if the RSCP measurement of signals from node <NUM> is not above the RSCP threshold. Additionally or alternatively, controller <NUM> may control routing of two or more different types of traffic, e.g., voice and File Transfer Protocol (FTP), according to two or more different RSCP thresholds.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the UE assistance parameter may include a value of a predefined parameter comparable to a WLAN parameter of at least one WLAN, e.g., WLAN <NUM>, as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the UE assistance parameter may include a threshold value of a predefined WLAN parameter of the at least one WLAN, e.g., WLAN <NUM>, as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the threshold value may include a WLAN load threshold value, e.g., as described below. In other embodiments, the threshold value may include a threshold value of any other WLAN parameter, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may control access network selection and/or traffic steering of UE <NUM> with respect to a WLAN, e.g., WLAN <NUM>, for example, based on the UE assistance parameter and a value of a predefined parameter of the WLAN, e.g., as described in detail below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may control access network selection and/or traffic steering of UE <NUM> with respect to a WLAN, e.g., WLAN <NUM>, for example, based on the cellular load-related parameter, and a value of a predefined parameter, which may be based on a WLAN network load of the WLAN ("the WLAN load-related parameter"), e.g., as described in detail below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM> may determine the WLAN load-related parameter of WLAN <NUM>, for example, based on WLAN information received from AP <NUM> and/or via one or more intermediate devices, for example, in the form of BSS Load and/or BSS available admission capacity information, e.g., accordance with the IEEE <NUM> specifications. In one example, UE <NUM> may determine the WLAN load of WLAN <NUM>, e.g., based on load information received from AP <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may control access network selection and/or traffic steering of UE <NUM> with respect to WLAN <NUM>, for example, based on a predefined selection criterion applied to the value of the UE assistance parameter received from node <NUM> and a WLAN parameter of WLAN <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

The phrase "network load" as used herein with respect to a communication network may relate to a load, an access network load, a backhaul load, a level of congestion, a capacity level, an available capacity, a free capacity, a usage level, a ratio between used capacity and available capacity, and/or an available bandwidth of the communication network.

For example, the phrase "WLAN network load" as used herein with respect to a WLAN may relate to a load, an access network load, a backhaul load, a level of congestion, a capacity level, an available capacity, a free capacity, a usage level, a ratio between used capacity and available capacity, and/or an available bandwidth of the WLAN.

For example, the phrase "cellular network load" as used herein with respect to a cell may relate to a load, an access network load, a backhaul load, a level of congestion, a capacity level, an available capacity, a free capacity, a usage level, a ratio between used capacity and available capacity, and/or an available bandwidth of the cell.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to transmit the UE-assistance information to a UE controlled by node <NUM>, e.g., UE <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may control Iub <NUM> to send to node <NUM> the UE-assistance information to be provided to a UE, e.g., UE, <NUM>, connected to node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, Iub <NUM> may receive the UE assistance information from RNC <NUM>, and controller <NUM> may control wireless communication unit <NUM> to transmit to UE <NUM> a message including one or more values of the UE assistance information, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, Iub <NUM> may receive from RNC <NUM> UE-assistance information including a cellular signal strength threshold value, e.g., the RSCP threshold. For example, the message may include an Information Element (IE), e.g., a WLAN offload IE, including the cellular signal strength threshold value, e.g., the RSCP threshold, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, Iub <NUM> may receive from RNC <NUM> UE-assistance information including a value of at least one UE assistance parameter, for example, a parameter which is based on a cellular network load of a cellular network controlled by RNC <NUM>, e.g., as described above.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the value of the predefined parameter may by comparable to a WLAN parameter of at least one WLAN, e.g., WLAN <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may control transceiver <NUM> to transmit to UE <NUM> a cellular communication message including the UE assistance information.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to provide to UE <NUM> an indication of the cellular network load of cellular network <NUM>, e.g., to enable UE <NUM> to select from WLAN <NUM> and cellular network <NUM> a network having the lowest load. Additionally or alternatively, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to provide to UE <NUM> an indication of the cellular network load of cellular network <NUM>, e.g., to enable UE <NUM> to route certain traffic to WLAN <NUM> and/or cellular network <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the selection of the network having the lowest load may, for example, enable load balancing between cellular network <NUM> and WLAN <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to provide to UE <NUM> a value of a cellular load-related parameter, which may be based on the load of cellular network <NUM>, and may be configured to enable UE <NUM> to select between cellular network <NUM> and WLAN <NUM> and/or to control traffic routing to WLAN <NUM>, e.g., as described in detail below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the UE assistance parameter may be configured to enable UE <NUM> to select between cellular network <NUM> and WLAN <NUM> or to route traffic to cellular network <NUM> and WLAN <NUM>, for example, based on an amount of resources to be allocated to UE <NUM> by a cellular network controlled by RNC <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the cellular load-related parameter may include a resource allocation parameter representing an amount of resources for allocation to UE <NUM>. For example, the cellular load-related parameter may include a resource allocation parameter representing a maximal amount of resources for allocation by RNC <NUM> to UE <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to provide to UE <NUM> the maximum resource allocation in terms of power-related information, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the resource allocation parameter may include a power parameter representing a power to be allocated, e.g., by RNC <NUM>, to UE <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the power parameter may include a maximal power ratio to be allocated to UE <NUM>. For example, the maximal power ratio may include a ratio between a power of a data traffic channel and a power of a pilot channel that UE <NUM> may be allowed to use.

In some demonstrative embodiments, cell <NUM> may have different uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) loads.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may provide to UE <NUM>, e.g., via node <NUM>, a UE assistance parameter including an uplink UE assistance parameter and/or a downlink UE assistance parameter.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may provide to UE <NUM>, e.g., via node <NUM>, a resource allocation parameter including an uplink resource allocation parameter and/or a downlink resource allocation parameter. In one example, the resource allocation parameter may include both the uplink resource allocation parameter and the downlink resource allocation parameter. In another example, the resource allocation parameter may include one of the uplink resource allocation parameter and the downlink resource allocation parameter.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the UE assistance parameter may explicitly include the resource allocation that UE <NUM> may receive when connected to cell <NUM>. In other embodiments, the UE assistance parameter may include a parameter, which may implicitly indicate the resource allocation that UE <NUM> may receive when connected to cell <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to provide the UE-assistance parameter to UE <NUM>, for example, when UE is at an Idle mode with respect to cell <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to provide the cellular load-related UE assistance parameter to UE <NUM>, for example, when UE is at a connected mode with respect to cell <NUM>, e.g., as described below. The connected mode may include, for example, a Dedicated Chanel (CELL_DCH) state, Forward access channel (CELL_FACH) state, a (Cell Paging channel (CELL_PCH) state, or a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) Registration Area (URA) paging channel (URA_PCH) state, and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM> may receive from node <NUM> the UE assistance parameter corresponding to cellular network <NUM>, and UE <NUM> may determine a maximal achievable rate of a cellular connection to cellular network <NUM>.

For example, controller <NUM> may determine a maximal achievable rate of a connection between UE <NUM> and cellular network <NUM> based on the cellular load-related parameter and one or more additional parameters, e.g., bandwidth measurements, channel measurement, MIMO capabilities, and the like, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM> may determine a maximal achievable rate of a WLAN connection between UE <NUM> and WLAN <NUM>, for example, based on WLAN load information received from AP <NUM> and/or one or more additional parameters, e.g., bandwidth measurements, channel measurement, MIMO capabilities, and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may control access network selection and/or traffic routing of UE <NUM> based on a predefined selection criterion applied to the UE assistance parameter, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may select between cellular network <NUM> and WLAN <NUM>, for example, based on a comparison between the maximal achievable rate of the WLAN connection between UE <NUM> and WLAN <NUM> and the maximal achievable rate of the cellular connection between UE <NUM> and cellular network <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, controller <NUM> may route different types of traffic to cellular network <NUM> and WLAN <NUM>, for example, based on a comparison between the maximal achievable rate of the WLAN connection between UE <NUM> and WLAN <NUM> and the maximal achievable rate of the cellular connection between UE <NUM> and cellular network <NUM>.

For example, controller <NUM> may select from networks <NUM> and <NUM> the network providing the greater maximal achievable rate.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may apply a hysteresis mechanism to the selection between networks <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g., to prevent a "ping-pong" effect, for example, when UE <NUM> is located near a cell edge of cellular network <NUM>. For example, the hysteresis mechanism my be applied to UEs, e.g., all UEs, within the coverage area of cell <NUM>, for example, since a loading on cell <NUM> may change dynamically, e.g., in addition to received signal strength and/or interference conditions on cell <NUM>, thereby affecting an overall data rate a UE may receive.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may also use randomization as part of the network access selection mechanism, e.g., to avoid simultaneous switching with one or more other UEs to a given lightly loaded cell, which can result in an excessive number of access network switches. Controller <NUM> may derive randomization probabilities for the network access selection, for example, based on network assistance information directly received from node <NUM> and/or using randomization probabilities, which may be broadcast by node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the selection between cellular network <NUM> and WLAN <NUM> and/or traffic routing to cellular network <NUM> and/or WLAN <NUM> may take into consideration one or more additional parameters, e.g., according to a more complex access network selection mechanism.

In one example, an access network selection decision, e.g., to select between cellular network <NUM> and WLAN <NUM>, may be based on user preferences, operator policies, e.g., provided via an Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) mechanism, and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, utilizing the maximal achievable rate of the WLAN connection between UE <NUM> and WLAN <NUM> and the maximal achievable rate of the cellular connection between UE <NUM> and cellular network <NUM> may enable UE <NUM>, for example, to make an optimal access network selection decision and/or traffic routing decision, e.g., to connect to the network providing best performance in terms of maximal achievable rate, signal quality and/or load.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM> may be connected to both cellular network <NUM> and WLAN <NUM>, e.g., simultaneously. According to these embodiments, controller <NUM> may control UE <NUM> to route one or more types of traffic via cellular network <NUM> and one or more other types of traffic via WLAN <NUM>, e.g., based on the maximal achievable rate of the WLAN connection between UE <NUM> and WLAN <NUM> and the maximal achievable rate of the cellular connection between UE <NUM> and cellular network <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, utilizing the maximal achievable rate of the WLAN connection between UE <NUM> and WLAN <NUM> and the maximal achievable rate of the connection between UE <NUM> and cellular network <NUM> may enable, for example, load balancing between cellular network <NUM> and WLAN <NUM>, for example, since the maximal achievable rates of networks <NUM> and <NUM> may be based on the load of networks <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may transmit a cellular communication message including the UE assistance parameter of cellular network <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may transmit the cellular communication message configured to be received by UE <NUM> at the Idle state.

In some demonstrative embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may transmit the cellular communication message as part of a System Information block (SIB) message.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the SIB message may include a dedicated SIB defined for communicating the UE assistance parameter.

In other embodiments, the UE assistance parameter may be included as part of any other SIB, for example, SIB type <NUM>, <NUM>, or any other SIB.

In some demonstrative embodiments, it may be advantageous for RNC <NUM> and/or node <NUM> to not provide to UE <NUM> explicit information about an actual exact load of cellular network <NUM>. For example, some cellular network operators may consider the information about the actual network load of the cellular network to be sensitive information.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> and/or node <NUM> may be configured to provide the UE assistance parameter to UE <NUM>, while not directly, explicitly, and/or easily exposing potentially sensitive information relating to the actual exact network load and/or one or more other attributes of cellular network <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> and/or node <NUM> may be configured to provide the UE assistance parameter to UE <NUM> in the form of a threshold value, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may be configured to provide the UE assistance parameter in the form of a cellular signal strength threshold parameter, which may be comparable to a measured cellular signal strength of the cellular network UE <NUM> is connected to, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the cellular signal strength threshold parameter may include a RSCP threshold, e.g., as described below. In other embodiments, the cellular threshold value may include a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, or any other threshold related to cellular signal strength.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the signal threshold value may include an RSCP threshold value.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM> may perform access network selection by comparing the cellular signal strength threshold parameter to a measured signal strength of a cell it is connected to, e.g. UE <NUM> may prefer WLAN access network if a measured RSCP is below the signal RSCP threshold. Additionally or alternatively, UE <NUM> may route different types of traffic to different access networks by comparing the cellular signal strength threshold parameter to a measured signal strength of a cell it is connected to, e.g., one signal strength threshold may be configured for FTP traffic and a different signal strength threshold may be configured for voice traffic.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may determine the RSCP threshold value based on an actual load of cellular network <NUM>. The RSCP threshold may optionally depend on one or more additional parameters and/or conditions of cellular network <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may set the RSCP threshold value, for example, based on the load of cellular network <NUM>. For example, RNC <NUM> may set the RSCP threshold value to cause UE <NUM> to select to use cellular network <NUM>, e.g., as long an RSCP measurement of signals from node <NUM> is above the first RSCP threshold value. Controller <NUM> may controllably set the RSCP threshold value, for example, based on the load of cellular network. For example, controller <NUM> may increase the RSCP threshold value, e.g., to cause UE <NUM> to prefer selecting cellular network <NUM>, and/or controller <NUM> may decrease the RSCP threshold value, e.g., to cause UE <NUM> to prefer selecting WLAN <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may transmit a cellular communication message including the RSCP threshold of cellular network <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may transmit the cellular communication message as part of SIB message.

In one example, node <NUM> may transmit the RSCP threshold value as part of a SIB type <NUM>. For example, node <NUM> may transmit the RSCP threshold value as part of an offload IE, e.g., a "WLAN offload RSCP threshold" IE, of the SIB Type <NUM>, e.g., as follows:.

In some demonstrative embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may transmit the SIB configured to be received by UE <NUM> at the Idle state or connected state, e.g., the CELL_FACH state, the CELL_PCH state, or the URA_PCH state.

In some demonstrative embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may transmit the RSCP threshold value as part of a RRC signaling message, e.g., a RRC signaling message directed to UE <NUM>, for example, to be received by UE <NUM> at the connected state, e.g., the CELL_FACH state, the CELL_PCH state, or the URA_PCH state.

In some demonstrative embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may transmit the RSCP threshold value as part of a Radio Bearer Setup message, Radio Bearer Reconfiguration message, Cell Update Confirm message, a URA Update Confirm message, or any other existing or dedicated RRC message.

In one example, transceiver <NUM> may transmit the RSCP threshold value as part of an offload Information Element (IE), e.g., a "WLAN offload RSCP threshold" IE, of the Radio Bearer Reconfiguration message, e.g., as follows:.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> and/or node <NUM> may be configured to provide the UE assistance parameter to UE <NUM> in the form of a threshold value of a WLAN parameter of WLAN <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to perform the network selection and/or traffic routing based on a relationship between the threshold value of the WLAN parameter and a value of the WLAN parameter, which may be determined with respect to WLAN <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the threshold value may include a load threshold value of a WLAN load of the WLAN, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the threshold value may include a Quality-of-Service (QoS) threshold value of a QoS class of the WLAN.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the threshold value may include a network signal strength threshold of a WLAN signal strength.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the threshold value may include WLAN maximum achievable throughput threshold value.

In other embodiments, the threshold value may include a threshold value of any other parameter corresponding to WLAN <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, providing the threshold value to UE <NUM> may enable RNC <NUM> to steer traffic of UE <NUM> from the UMTS network to WLAN <NUM>, for example, when the UMTS network is overloaded, and/or to steer traffic of UE <NUM> to the UMTS, for example, when the load in the UMTS network is relatively low.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to provide the UE assistance parameter in the form of a load threshold parameter, which may be comparable to a network load parameter of WLAN <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to control access network selection and/or traffic steering of UE <NUM> with respect to WLAN <NUM> based on a predefined selection criterion applied to the load threshold parameter and a WLAN load of WLAN <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM> may determine the WLAN load of WLAN <NUM>, for example, based on information received from AP <NUM>, for example, based on a BSS load information element (IE) broadcast by AP <NUM>, or via any other mechanism, e.g., the ANDSF mechanism.

In some demonstrative embodiments, providing the load threshold parameter to UE <NUM> may enable UE <NUM> to make an access network selection and/or traffic steering decision without, for example, exposing to UE <NUM> a precise actual network load and/or one or more other attributes of cellular node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may determine the load threshold parameter based on an actual load of cellular network <NUM>. The load threshold parameter may optionally depend on one or more additional parameters and/or conditions of cellular network <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, providing the load threshold parameter to UE <NUM> may enable UE <NUM> to perform access network selection and/or traffic routing, which may take into account the cellular network load of cellular network <NUM>, for example, without disclosing to UE <NUM> the actual exact cellular load of cellular network <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> of RNC <NUM> may determine the threshold value to be provided to UE <NUM>, e.g., via node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may determine the threshold value, for example, based on a status of the UMTS network, e.g., without the need to interface with WLAN <NUM>. For example, controller <NUM> may adjust the threshold value based on a load of the UMTS and/or based on operator preferences to steer more users to/from WLAN <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, additionally or alternatively, controller <NUM> may collect information on WLAN network & load conditions, and determine the threshold value based on the WLAN network and/or load conditions.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may configure the threshold value based one or more additional criteria and/or conditions, e.g., to influence the access network selection and/or traffic routing by controller <NUM>.

In one example, controller <NUM> may decide to maintain UE <NUM> connected to cellular network <NUM>, for example, even when a comparison between the WLAN load of WLAN <NUM> and the cellular load of cellular network <NUM> may theoretically justify offloading UE <NUM> to WLAN <NUM>, e.g., even when the WLAN load of WLAN <NUM> is very low and/or lesser than the cellular load of cellular network <NUM>.

In another example, controller <NUM> may decide to cause UE <NUM> to offload to WLAN <NUM>, for example, even when a comparison between the WLAN load of WLAN <NUM> and the cellular load of cellular network <NUM> may theoretically justify using the cellular connection with cellular network <NUM>, e.g., even when the WLAN load of WLAN <NUM> is very high and/or higher than the cellular load of cellular network <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the selection criterion used by controller <NUM> may be a function of a measured received signal strength indication (RSSI) measured by UE <NUM> with respect to WLAN <NUM>, an RSSI threshold, the WLAN load of WLAN <NUM> and the WLAN threshold value received from node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the selection criterion may be based on a ratio between a first difference between the measured RSSI and the RSSI threshold, and a second difference between the WLAN load of WLAN <NUM> and the WLAN load threshold value received from node <NUM>.

In one example, controller <NUM> may make an access network decision ("mobility decision") to offload communication of UE <NUM> to WLAN <NUM>, for example, if the following criterion is met: <MAT> wherein RSSI denotes a WLAN RSSI of WLAN <NUM>, e.g., as measured by UE <NUM>; wherein RSSI_t denotes a RSSI threshold, which may be used by UE <NUM> to make mobility decisions; wherein f denotes a predefined factor; wherein LOAD denotes a load of WLAN <NUM>, e.g., as determined by or received by UE <NUM>; and wherein LOAD_t denotes the WLAN load threshold value, e.g., as received by UE <NUM> from node <NUM>.

For example, controller <NUM> may prefer communicating over the WLAN connection with AP <NUM>, e.g., when Criterion <NUM> is met, and controller <NUM> may prefer communicating over the cellular connection with node <NUM>, e.g., when Criterion <NUM> is not met.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the selection criterion used by controller <NUM> may be a function of a WLAN bandwidth of WLAN <NUM>, the WLAN load of WLAN <NUM> and the WLAN threshold value received from node <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may select WLAN <NUM>, for example, when a product of the WLAN bandwidth of WLAN <NUM> and the WLAN load of WLAN <NUM> is greater than the WLAN threshold value received from node <NUM>.

For example, controller <NUM> may make the mobility decision to offload communication of UE <NUM> to WLAN <NUM>, for example, if the following criterion is met: <MAT> wherein W_b denotes a WLAN bandwidth of WLAN <NUM>; wherein W_l denotes a WLAN load of WLAN <NUM>, e.g., as determined by or received by UE <NUM>; and wherein T denotes the WLAN threshold value, e.g., as received by UE <NUM> from node <NUM>. For example, T may be determined by RNC <NUM> based on a bandwidth, e.g., a UMTS bandwidth, of cell <NUM>, denoted L_b, and a load, e.g., an LTE load, of cell <NUM>, denoted L_l. For example, node <NUM> may determine the threshold T as T=L_b*L-l.

According to this example, controller <NUM> may be able to make the mobility decision, which is based on the cellular load of cellular network <NUM>, e.g., as represented by the WLAN threshold parameter T, which is received from node <NUM>, without, for example, the actual exact cellular load of cellular network <NUM> being disclosed to UE <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may transmit a cellular communication message including the WLAN threshold value, for example, the WLAN load threshold value and/or the RSCP threshold value, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may transmit, e.g., broadcast, the cellular communication message including the WLAN threshold value and/or the RSCP threshold value configured to be received by UE <NUM> at the Idle state.

In some demonstrative embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may transmit, e.g., broadcast, the cellular communication message including the parameter threshold value as part of a System Information block (SIB) message.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the SIB message may include a dedicated SIB defined for communicating the parameter threshold value.

In one example, the parameter threshold value may be included as part of a dedicated SIB type <NUM> ("SIB <NUM>"), or any other type. The SIB <NUM> may be defined, for example, to include information relevant for inter-Radio-Access-Technologies (inter-RAT) mobility and network selection/reselection and/or traffic routing.

For example, the SIB <NUM> may include a value of a parameter, denoted wlanOffladRSCPThreshold in dBm, representing the RSCP threshold value, which may be used by UE <NUM> to make mobility decisions to/from WLAN, e.g., as follows:
<IMG>.

In other embodiments, the load threshold parameter, e.g., the value of the parameter wlanOffladRSCPThreshold , may be included as part of any other SIB, for example, SIB type <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, <NUM>, or any other SIB.

In some demonstrative embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may transmit the cellular communication message including the parameter threshold value to be received by UE <NUM> at the connected state.

In some demonstrative embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may transmit the cellular communication message including the parameter threshold value as part of a Radio-Resource Control (RRC) signaling message, e.g., a RRC signaling message directed to UE <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may transmit the cellular communication message including the parameter threshold value as part of a Radio Bearer Setup message, a Radio Bearer Reconfiguration message, a Cell Update Confirm message, a URA Update Confirm message, or any other RRC message, e.g., as described above.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may provide to UE <NUM>, e.g., via node <NUM>, the UE assistance parameter in the form of a WLAN cell reselection priority value, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> and/or node <NUM> may utilize a priority based cell reselection mechanism configured to support WLAN, e.g., in addition to cellular networks.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to transmit to UE a cellular communication message including a reselection frequency list. The reselection frequency list may include a plurality of WLAN frequencies, including a WLAN frequency of WLAN <NUM>, associated with a plurality of cell reselection priorities, including a reselection priority of WLAN <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a System Information Block (SIB), for example, SIB type <NUM> or a new SIB, may be configured to include frequency and/or priority information to support the priority based cell reselection mechanism for the WLAN. For example, node <NUM> may broadcast the SIB including the reselection frequency list.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a RRC message may be configured to include inter-RAT frequency and priority information for cell reselection, including WLAN network, frequency and priority information.

In some demonstrative embodiments, node <NUM> may provide to UE <NUM> the reselection frequency list, e.g., as part of system information, which may be included in the RRC message.

In some demonstrative embodiments, UE <NUM> may select a frequency with highest priority that satisfies a cell selection criteria, e.g., when UE <NUM> is at idle mode.

In one example, UE <NUM> may consider selecting to switch from a current RAT cell, e.g., cell <NUM>, to WLAN <NUM>, for example, if the WLAN priority defined for WLAN <NUM> is greater than a priority of the current RAT, for example, according to the cell reselection criteria, e.g., when UE <NUM> determines a quality of the current cell is not good enough for UE <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may configure the reselection frequency list based on the load of cellular network <NUM>, e.g., to enable RNC <NUM> to control the access network selection decision performed by UE <NUM> based on the reselection frequency list.

In one example, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to transmit the reselection list as part of an SIB, e.g., an SIB type <NUM>, including Inter-RAT frequency and priority information to be used in the cell. For example, as part of a "WLAN frequency and priority list" IE of the SIB type <NUM>, e.g., as follows:.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may provide to UE <NUM>, e.g., via node <NUM>, the UE assistance parameter in the form of a WLAN access class barring probability value.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may adjust access class barring probabilities according to relative loads of one or more WLAN APs, e.g., AP <NUM>. For example, if the relative load of neighboring WLAN APs is lesser than the load of cellular network <NUM>, then RNC <NUM> may increase the access class barring probabilities to ensure that fewer UEs will select node <NUM> and more UEs will select WLAN AP <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to transmit to UE a cellular communication message including an access barring indication to bar UE <NUM> from using the cellular link with node <NUM>, for example, in order to cause UE <NUM> to use a WLAN link, or to bar UE <NUM> from using the WLAN link with WLAN <NUM>, for example, in order to cause UE <NUM> to use a cellular link.

In one example, controller <NUM> may be configured to control UE <NUM>, e.g., when UE is at Idle mode, to use WLAN access, e.g., to WLAN <NUM>, instead of cellular access, e.g., to cell <NUM>, for example, when UE <NUM> is access class barred.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> of RNC <NUM> may decide to use access class barring to move UEs to WLAN <NUM>, for example, based on UMTS network load and optionally based on WLAN network information.

In some demonstrative embodiments, RNC <NUM> and/or node <NUM> may provide to UE <NUM> a WLAN threshold value, e.g., as described above. In other embodiments, RNC <NUM> and/or node <NUM> may provide to UE <NUM> any other value relating to a WLAN parameter of WLAN <NUM>. In one example, the UE assistance information may include one or more "probabilities for network selection", which may be utilized by UE <NUM> for access network selection. In another example, RNC <NUM> may control node <NUM> to broadcast a price/cost/effective load of a network that can steer UE <NUM> towards optimal network selection.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a method of UE-centric traffic routing, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more of the operations of the method of <FIG> may be performed by a wireless communication system e.g., system <NUM> (<FIG>); a device, e.g., UE <NUM> (<FIG>), RNC <NUM> (<FIG>), node <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or AP <NUM> (<FIG>); a controller, e.g., controller <NUM> (<FIG>), controller <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or controller <NUM> (<FIG>); and/or a wireless communication unit, e.g., wireless communication units <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>).

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method may include transmitting a cellular communication message from a cellular node to a UE over a cellular communication medium, the message including a UE assistance parameter. The UE assistance parameter may include, for example, a value of a predefined parameter, which is based on a cellular network load of a cellular network controlled by the cellular node. For example, node <NUM> (<FIG>) may transmit to UE <NUM> (<FIG>) a cellular communication message, for example, a SIB message or an RRC signaling message, including the UE assistance parameter, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, transmitting a cellular communication message may include transmitting a cellular communication message including a cellular signal strength threshold value comparable to a signal strength of the cellular network. For example, node <NUM> (<FIG>) may transmit to UE <NUM> (<FIG>) a cellular communication message, for example, a SIB message or an RRC signaling message, including the RSCP threshold, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, transmitting a cellular communication message may include transmitting a cellular communication message including a resource allocation parameter representing an amount of resource for allocation to the UE. For example, RNC <NUM> (<FIG>) may control node <NUM> (<FIG>) to transmit to UE <NUM> (<FIG>) a cellular communication message, for example, a SIB message or an RRC signaling message, including a resource allocation parameter indicating an allocation of resources to UE <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, transmitting a cellular communication message may include transmitting a cellular communication message including a load threshold value comparable to a non-cellular network load of a non-cellular network. For example, node <NUM> (<FIG>) may transmit to UE <NUM> (<FIG>) a cellular communication message, for example, a SIB message or an RRC signaling message, including a WLAN load threshold value, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method may include receiving the cellular communication message at the UE. For example, UE <NUM> (<FIG>) may receive the cellular communication message, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method may include controlling access network selection and/or traffic steering of the UE with respect to a WLAN based on the UE assistance parameter. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may control access network selection of UE <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or traffic steering with respect to WLAN <NUM> (<FIG>) based on the UE assistance parameter, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, controlling access network selection and/or traffic steering of the UE may include controlling access network selection and/or traffic steering of the UE based on a comparison between a measured signal strength of the cellular network and the cellular signal strength threshold value. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may control access network selection and/or traffic steering of UE <NUM> (<FIG>) based on a comparison between a measured RSCP of cell <NUM> and the RSCP threshold, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, controlling access network selection and/or traffic steering of the UE may include controlling access network selection and/or traffic steering of the UE based on a predefined selection criterion applied to the WLAN load threshold value and a WLAN load of the WLAN. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may control access network selection of UE <NUM> (<FIG>) based on Criterion <NUM> or Criterion <NUM>, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, controlling access network selection and/or traffic steering of the UE may include determining an achievable rate of communication with the cellular node based on the value of the resource allocation parameter, and controlling access network selection of the UE based on a comparison between the achievable rate of communication with the cellular node and an achievable rate of communication with the WLAN.

For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may determine an achievable rate of communication with node (<FIG>) based on the value of the resource allocation parameter received from node <NUM> (<FIG>), and may control access network selection and/or traffic steering of UE <NUM> (<FIG>) based on a comparison between the achievable rate of communication with node <NUM> (<FIG>) and an achievable rate of communication with WLAN <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a product of manufacture <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Product <NUM> may include a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium <NUM> to store logic <NUM>, which may be used, for example, to perform at least part of the functionality of RNC <NUM> (<FIG>), UE <NUM> (<FIG>), node <NUM> (<FIG>), AP <NUM> (<FIG>), controller <NUM> (<FIG>), controller <NUM> (<FIG>), controller <NUM> (<FIG>), wireless communication unit <NUM> (<FIG>), wireless communication unit <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or to perform one or more operations of the method of <FIG>. The phrase "non-transitory machine-readable medium" is directed to include all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory propagating signal.

In some demonstrative embodiments, product <NUM> and/or machine-readable storage medium <NUM> may include one or more types of computer-readable storage media capable of storing data, including volatile memory, non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writeable or re-writeable memory, and the like. For example, machine-readable storage medium <NUM> may include, RAM, DRAM, Double-Data-Rate DRAM (DDR-DRAM), SDRAM, static RAM (SRAM), ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), Compact Disk ROM (CD-ROM), Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disk Rewriteable (CD-RW), flash memory (e.g., NOR or NAND flash memory), content addressable memory (CAM), polymer memory, phase-change memory, ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory, a disk, a floppy disk, a hard drive, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a card, a magnetic card, an optical card, a tape, a cassette, and the like. The computer-readable storage media may include any suitable media involved with downloading or transferring a computer program from a remote computer to a requesting computer carried by data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation medium through a communication link, e.g., a modem, radio or network connection.

In some demonstrative embodiments, logic <NUM> may include instructions, data, and/or code, which, if executed by a machine, may cause the machine to perform a method, process and/or operations as described herein. The machine may include, for example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform, computing device, processing device, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, or the like, and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, software, firmware, and the like.

Claim 1:
A user equipment, UE (<NUM>), comprising:
a wireless communication unit (<NUM>) to receive, from a node B (<NUM>) of a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, UMTS, Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN (<NUM>), offload information including a WLAN load threshold and a signal strength threshold; and
a controller (<NUM>) to control traffic steering from the UMTS to a WLAN (<NUM>) if the following criterion is met: (RSSI-RSS_t)*f + (LOAD_t-LOAD) > <NUM>,
where RSSI is a measured received signal strength indication of the cellular network, RSS_t is the signal strength threshold, f is a predefined factor, LOAD is a load of the WLAN, and LOAD_t is the WLAN load threshold.