Apple Inc.
Packet data connections in a wireless communication system using a wireless local area network

Abstract:

Connection control circuitry is provided for a User Equipment (UE) configurable to offload communication of packet data from a cellular radio-access network comprising a Trusted Wireless Local Access Network (TWLAN) and a Trusted Wireless Access Gateway (TWAG) with IP Address preservation. The connection control circuitry has a connection requesting module configured to send a distinguishable-connection establishment message to the TWAG, requesting setup of a TWAG-routed data connection comprising at least one of a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection and a Non-Seamless Wireless Offload (NSWO) connection. A unique virtual gateway interface address is used to identify a point-to-point link between the UE and the TWAG. This allows the TWAG to distinguish between multiple substantially simultaneous point-to-point links which support multiple substantially simultaneous packet data connections. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.