Access Network Discovery and Selection Function
Encyclopedia
Access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF) is an entity within an evolved packet core (EPC) of the system architecture evolution
(SAE) for 3GPP
compliant mobile networks. The purpose of the ANDSF is to assist user equipment (UE) to discover non-3GPP access networks – such as Wi-Fi
or WIMAX
– that can be used for data communications in addition to 3GPP access networks (such as HSPA
or LTE) and to provide the UE with rules policing the connection to these networks.
The ANDSF communicates with the UE over the S14 reference point, which is essentially a synchronization of an OMA-DM
management object (MO) specific to ANDSF.
Multiple UE vendors are currently engaged in implementing the ANDSF MO as part of their Mobile Device Management
frameworks, with releases expected during 2012 and onwards.
System Architecture Evolution
System Architecture Evolution is the core network architecture of 3GPP's LTE wireless communication standard.SAE is the evolution of the GPRS Core Network, with some differences:* simplified architecture* all-IP Network...
(SAE) for 3GPP
3GPP
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project is a collaboration between groups of telecommunications associations, known as the Organizational Partners...
compliant mobile networks. The purpose of the ANDSF is to assist user equipment (UE) to discover non-3GPP access networks – such as Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...
or WIMAX
WiMAX
WiMAX is a communication technology for wirelessly delivering high-speed Internet service to large geographical areas. The 2005 WiMAX revision provided bit rates up to 40 Mbit/s with the 2011 update up to 1 Gbit/s for fixed stations...
– that can be used for data communications in addition to 3GPP access networks (such as HSPA
High Speed Packet Access
High Speed Packet Access is an amalgamation of two mobile telephony protocols, High Speed Downlink Packet Access and High Speed Uplink Packet Access , that extends and improves the performance of existing WCDMA protocols...
or LTE) and to provide the UE with rules policing the connection to these networks.
Information provided
An ANDSF can provide the following information to a UE, based on operator configuration:- Inter-system mobility policy (ISMP)– network selections rules for a UE with no more than one active access network connection (e.g., either LTE or Wi-Fi)
- Inter-system routing policy (ISRP) – network selection rules for a UE with potentially more than one active access network connection (e.g., both LTE and Wi-Fi). Such UE may employ IP flow mobility (IFOM), multiple-access PDN connectivity (MAPCON) or non-seamless Wi-Fi offload according to operator policy and user preferences.
- Discovery information – a list of networks that may be available in the vicinity of the UE and information assisting the UE to expedite the connection to these networks
The ANDSF communicates with the UE over the S14 reference point, which is essentially a synchronization of an OMA-DM
OMA Device Management
OMA Device Management is a device management protocol specified by the Open Mobile Alliance Device Management Working Group and the Data Synchronization Working Group...
management object (MO) specific to ANDSF.
History
The term ANDSF was first conceived by the 3GPP in Release 8 as part of the effort to standardise the behavior of the ever-growing abundance of 3GPP-compliant UEs (e.g. smartphones) that can also access non-3GPP data networks.Known Implementations
- WeANDSF – a commercial system employing data intelligence to discover and select the access network that is predicted to perform best for the specific UE time and location.
Multiple UE vendors are currently engaged in implementing the ANDSF MO as part of their Mobile Device Management
Mobile device management
Mobile Device Management software secures, monitors, manages and supports mobile devices deployed across mobile operators, service providers and enterprises...
frameworks, with releases expected during 2012 and onwards.