IoT device and method for wireless network management

Abstract

There is provided and Internet of Things, IoT, device (202) for wireless network management. The IoT device comprises a communication module (208) configured to communicate data over each of a set of wireless networks including at least a first wireless network (102) and a second wireless network (104); one or more processors (204); and a memory (206) configured to store computer-readable instructions which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: determine network data in dependence on a communication between the IoT device and each network of the set of wireless networks; in dependence on the network data and one or more switching criteria, select a designated wireless network from the set of wireless networks; and communicate, to a user device (106), an indication of the designated wireless network.

Description

P1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOOIOT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR WIRELESS NETWORK MANAGEMENTTECHNICAL FIELDThe invention relates to Wi-Fi configuration, in particular the management of Wi-Fi switching between networks.BACKGROUND

[0001] A user device, such as a laptop, mobile device or the like, is typically provided with wireless functionality to connect to a router over a local wireless network such as a WiFi network. The router is connected to a modem arranged to provide a connection to an Internet Service Provider, ISP, via a wide area network, WAN.

[0002] The user device may be capable of connection to multiple WiFi networks, each providing a different Internet connection, e.g., to different ISPs.

[0003] The WiFi signal strength, network performance and Internet connectivity of each WiFi connection may fluctuate. It is desirable to connect the user device to a most suitable WiFi network to provide, for example, the strongest Internet connectivity. However, frequent or manual switching between WiFi networks for a user device causes interrupted connectivity.

[0004] Dual WAN routers are available which provide two Internet connections via a single WiFi network. However, dual WAN routers are high cost and a time taken for a dual WAN router to detect a network failure and switch to a secondary WAN connection can be high, causing issues with network availability.

[0005] It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] Aspects of the present invention provide an Internet of Things, loT, device for wireless network management, a computer implemented method, and computer software.

[0007] According to a first aspect there is provided an loT device comprising: a communication module configured to communicate data over each of a set of wireless networks including at least a first wireless network and a second wireless network; one or more processors; and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: determine network data in dependence on a communication between the loT device and each network of the set of wireless networks; in dependence on the network data and one or moreP1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO switching criteria, select a designated wireless network from the set of wireless networks; and communicate, to a user device, an indication of the designated wireless network.

[0008] Optionally, the indication of the designated wireless network comprises an instruction configured to cause the user device to automatically switch to connect to the designated wireless network.

[0009] The first wireless network may comprise a first Wi-Fi network and the second wireless network may comprise a second Wi-Fi network. Optionally, the first Wi-Fi network provides a first Internet connection via a first wide area network, WAN, and the second Wi-Fi network provides a second Internet connection via a second WAN.

[0010] The one or more switching criteria may be configurable by a user of the loT device. For example, the loT device may be configured to receive, from the user device, configuration data indicative of the one or more switching criteria, and configure the one or more switching criteria based on the configuration data. Thus, the one or more switching criteria may be configurable based on a user input.

[0011] Optionally, the loT device is configured to iteratively connect to each network of the set of wireless networks to update the determined network data. For example, the loT device may be configured to iteratively connect to each network and update the determined network data at predetermined intervals. Optionally, the loT device is configured to iteratively update the designated wireless network in dependence on the updated network data. Optionally, the loT device is configured to communicate an updated indication of the designated wireless network to the user device if the designated wireless network switches between two networks of the set of wireless networks.

[0012] The network data may comprise a signal strength metric for each of the set of wireless networks. The one or more switching criteria may comprise maximizing a signal strength of the designated wireless network. The one or more switching criteria may comprise a minimum signal strength for the designated wireless network.

[0013] The one or more switching criteria may comprise a load balancing criterion to balance a load of the user device between each network of the set of wireless networks according to a predefined ratio. Optionally, the loT device is configured to receive a remaining internet usage quota of the user device for each network of the set of wireless networks and determine the predefined ratio in dependence on the remaining internet usage quotas. The remaining internet usage quota may be provided as a user input from the user of the user device.

[0014] Optionally, the network data comprises a connectivity metric for each network of the set of wireless networks. The connectivity metric is indicative of a network connectivity forP1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO each network. For example, the connectivity metric may be an Internet connectivity metric. The connectivity metric may be a round trip time (RTT) to a host server. The one or more switching criteria may comprise maximizing a network connectivity of the designated wireless network. The one or more switching criteria may comprise a minimum network connectivity for the designated wireless network. The connectivity metric may comprise an Internet connectivity metric, and the minimum network connectivity may comprise a minimum Internet connectivity. Optionally, the loT device is configured to perform a continuous ping test for each of the set of wireless networks to determine each Internet connectivity metric.

[0015] The loT device may be configured to store a user preferred network of the set of wireless networks, and the one or more switching criteria may comprise defaulting the designated network to the user preferred network if the user preferred network meets a minimum criteria. The minimum criteria for the user preferred network may comprise a minimum network connectivity and / or a minimum signal strength.

[0016] Optionally, the set of wireless networks further comprises a third wireless network, and the loT device is configured to: determine the network data further in dependence on a communication between the loT device and the third wireless network; and select the designated wireless network from the first wireless network, the second wireless network and the third wireless network.

[0017] Optionally, the loT device is configured to: in dependence on the network data and one or more second switching criteria, select a second designated wireless network from the set of wireless networks; and communicate, to a second user device, an indication of the second designated wireless network.

[0018] According to another aspect there is provided a computer-implemented method for wireless network management comprising: communicating, by an loT device, data over each of a set of wireless networks including at least a first wireless network and a second wireless network; determining, by the loT device, network data in dependence on the communication between the loT device and each network of the set of wireless networks; in dependence on the network data and one or more switching criteria, selecting, by the loT device, a designated wireless network from the set of wireless networks; and communicating, from the loT device to a user device, an indication of the designated wireless network.

[0019] The method may further comprise: by the user device, automatically connecting to the designated wireless network in dependence on the received indication.

[0020] Optionally, the method is further comprising configuring, at the loT device in dependence on a user input, the one or more switching criteria.P1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO

[0021] The method may further comprise: iteratively connecting, by the loT device, to each network of the set of wireless networks to update the determined network data; iteratively updating, by the loT device, the designated wireless network in dependence on the updated network data; and communicating an updated indication of the designated wireless network from the loT device to the user device if the designated wireless network switches between two networks of the set of wireless networks.

[0022] The network data may comprise a signal strength metric for each of the set of wireless networks. The one or more switching criteria may comprise maximizing a signal strength of the designated wireless network, and / or may comprise a minimum signal strength of the designated wireless network.

[0023] The network data may comprise a connectivity metric for each network of the set of wireless networks. The one or more switching criteria may comprise maximizing a network connectivity of the designated wireless network, and / or may comprise a minimum network connectivity for the designated wireless network.

[0024] According to another aspect, there is provided computer software which, when executed, is arranged to perform a method according to the above aspect.

[0025] According to another aspect, there is provided a non-transient computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed, perform a method according to the above aspect.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGSTo easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0026] FIG. 1 A illustrates a user device 106 connected to a first wireless network 102;

[0027] FIG. 1 B illustrates a user device 106 connected to a second wireless network 104;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an loT device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 3A illustrates a memory of the loT device according to an embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 3B illustrates example switching criteria 308 and network data 302 according to an embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 in accordance with one embodiment; and

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates an loT device according to one embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTON OF DRAWINGSP1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO

[0033] With reference to Figures 1 A and 1 B, it is in aim of the invention to provide a user device 106 with reliable network connectivity. The user device 106 may be any personal computing device with wireless communications capabilities such as a laptop, personal computer, tablet or mobile phone. The user device 106 is configured to connect to a set of wireless networks including a first wireless network 102, as shown in Figure 1A, and a second wireless network 104, as shown in Figure 1 B, and to receive and transmit data over the respective network. The first wireless network 102 and the second wireless network 104 may each form part of a respective local area network, LAN, and provide a connection to a respective router. Although only two wireless networks are illustrated, in some embodiments the set of wireless networks may comprise three or more wireless networks.

[0034] Each wireless network may provide a connection to a respective wide area network, WAN. For example, the first wireless network 102 may provide a first connection to a first WAN and the second wireless network 104 may provide a second connection to a second WAN. The first WAN and the second WAN may comprise a collection of wired and / or wireless connections to a respective Internet Service Provider, ISP, thereby providing alternative Internet connections. In some embodiments, one of the first WAN or second WAN may be a mobile network, such as a 4G, 5G or next generation mobile network.

[0035] Typically, the user device 106 is only able to connect to one of the first wireless network 102 and the second wireless network 104 at any one time, as shown in Figures 1A and 1 B. Switching the connection of the user device 106 between the first wireless network 102 and second wireless network 104 would typically be carried out manually. That is, if the device is connected to the first wireless network 102, the user may notice a poor connectivity or signal strength and manually connect the user device 106 to the second wireless network 104. Alternatively, the user device 106 may automatically switch between the first wireless network 102 and the second wireless network 104 based on a signal strength, i.e., the user device 106 may automatically connect to the network having the greatest signal strength.

[0036] However, such processes may be undesirable as the user device 106 may not connect to the optimal wireless network. Frequent switching between networks to check connectivity is disruptive and causes network access interruptions. Therefore, it is desired to provide an improved solution to wireless network connection management.

[0037] An Internet of Things, loT device 202 for wireless network management according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 2.

[0038] According to the present invention, the loT device 202 is configured to provide a wireless network management solution for the user device 106. Although the loT device 202 isP1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO illustrated in conjunction with a single user device 106, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the loT device 202 may operate in conjunction with a plurality of user devices.

[0039] The loT device 202 may be any electronic device with processing and wireless communication capability. For example, the loT device 202 may be a system-on-chip microcontroller, such as an ESP32 or similar device. Other examples may include an ESP8266, Raspberry Pi Pico W, Texas Instruments CC3200, Arduino Portenta H7 or any other device having similar capabilities. Such a microcontroller provides the advantage of providing a cost effective solution to wireless network management. However, the loT device 202 may comprise any device with equivalent or greater functionality, such as a mobile phone, tablet, computer or the like.

[0040] The loT device 202 comprises processing means 204 and memory means 206. The processing means 204 may be one or more electronic processing device 204 which operably executes computer-readable instructions. The memory means 206 may be one or more memory device 206. The one or more memory device 206 may comprise a non-volatile memory device such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory, and / or a volatile memory device, such as dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) or static random-access memory (SRAM). The memory means 206 is electrically coupled to the processing means 204. The memory means 206 is configured to store instructions, and the processing means 204 is configured to access the memory means 206 and execute the instructions stored thereon to perform the functions described below.

[0041] The loT device 202 further comprises a communication module 208 for communicating with one or more external devices including the user device 106. The communication module 208 comprises one or more inputs for receiving data and one or more outputs for transmitting data. The one or more inputs and outputs may comprise one or more wired input / output (I / O) connections, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector or the like. The one or more inputs and outputs may alternatively or further comprise wireless communication means, such as one or more antennas. The communication module 208 supports wireless communication, for example via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC or the like. The loT device 202 is configured to communicate data over each of a set of wireless networks including the first wireless network 102 and the second wireless network 104, via the communication module 208.

[0042] With reference to Figure 3A, the loT device 202 is configured to access a set of one or more switching criteria 308, hereby referred to as switching criteria 308. The switching criteria 308 may comprise a single criterion, or a plurality of criteria. The switching criteria 308 define a set of one or more conditions for switching connection between the first wireless networkP1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO102 and the second wireless network 104. The switching criteria 308 according to several embodiments will be described further with reference to Figure 3B. The switching criteria 308 may be stored in the memory 206 as shown, however they may also be retrieved by the loT device 202 from any external device communicatively coupled to the loT device 202.

[0043] The loT device 202 is configured to communicate data over each of the set of wireless networks and determine network data 302 based on said communication. The network data 302 may be indicative of one or more network characteristics for each of the set of wireless networks. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the network data 302 comprises first network data 304 associated with the first wireless network 102 and second network data 306 associated with the second wireless network 104. The loT device 202 is configured to update the network data 302 to reflect up to date network conditions. For example, the loT device 202 may iteratively connect to each of the set of wireless networks to update the network data 302.

[0044] The loT device 202 is configured to, in dependence on the network data 302 and the switching criteria 308, select a designated wireless network from the set of wireless networks. That is, the loT device 202 is configured to determine which of the set of wireless networks the user device 106 should connect to based on current network conditions and the switching criteria 308 defining network preferences.

[0045] With reference to Figure 3B, there are illustrated example switching criteria 308 and network data 302 according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0046] The network data 302 may comprise one or more network metrics corresponding to each of the wireless networks.

[0047] The one or more network metrics may comprise a signal strength metric 302a for each of the set of wireless networks. For example, the network data 302 may comprise a first signal strength metric 302a for the first wireless network 102 and a second signal strength metric 302a for the second wireless network 104. The signal strength metric 302a for each wireless network may be indicative of a received signal strength at the loT device 202 for each of the set of wireless networks. For example, the signal strength metric 302a may comprise a power or signal to noise ratio for the respective wireless network. Thus, the signal strength metric 302a may reflect a current signal strength at the loT device 202 for each of the first wireless network 102 and the second wireless network 104.

[0048] The switching criteria may comprise a signal strength criterion 308a. The signal strength criterion 308a may be indicative of maximizing a signal strength of the designated wireless network. That is, under the signal strength criterion 308a, the loT device 202 may be configured to select the wireless network having the greatest signal strength of the set of wireless networks as indicated by the signal strength metric 302a. In such an embodiment, theP1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO signal strength criterion 308a may be the only switching criteria 308. In other embodiments, the signal strength criterion 308a may define a minimum signal strength for the designated wireless network. The minimum signal strength may be used in addition to other criteria of the switching criteria 308.

[0049] In some embodiments, the one or more network metrics of the network data 302 comprise a connectivity metric 302b for each of the set of wireless networks. For example, the network data 302 may comprise a first connectivity metric 302b for the first wireless network 102 and a second connectivity metric 302b for the second wireless network 104. The connectivity metric 302b is indicative of a level of Internet connectivity or speed for each wireless network. For example, the connectivity metric 302b may comprise a time taken to transmit data to a remote device via the wireless network, such as a round trip time to a host server of the ISP. In order to determine the connectivity metric 302b for each wireless network, the loT device 202 may perform a connectivity test when connected to the wireless network, such as a continuous ping test.

[0050] The switching criteria may then comprise a network connectivity criterion 308b for the designated wireless network. In some embodiments, the network connectivity criterion 308b may comprise a minimum connectivity for the designated wireless network, such as a minimum speed, or maximum round trip time taken to the ISP host server. Thus, the minimum connectivity may be used in addition to other criteria of the switching criteria 308. In other embodiments, the network connectivity criterion 308b may define that the wireless network having the greatest connectivity metric 302b should be selected as the designated wireless network. In such embodiments, the network connectivity criterion 308b may be the only criterion.

[0051] In some embodiments, the switching criteria 308 comprise a load balancing criterion 308c. The load balancing criterion 308c may be indicative of a predefined ratio of data consumption between the first wireless network 102 and the second wireless network 104, in order to balance a load of the user device 106 between the networks. For example, the user may have an allocated quota of data for each of the wireless networks 102, 104 and wish to evenly spread the usage of user device 106 between the two networks. Thus, the load balancing criterion 308c may define a 50 / 50 split between the networks, a 70 / 30 split, an 80 / 20 split or any other predefined ratio. The ratio may be predefined by a user of the loT device 202. The loT device 202 may then determine a usage for the user device 106 through each wireless network, and determine the designated wireless network to achieve the predefined ratio. The loT device 202 may determine or estimate the usage based on an amount of time each wireless network has been identified as the designated wireless network. For example,P1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO the loT device 202 may determine each of the first wireless network 102 and the second wireless network 104 to be the designated wireless network for 50% of a total time used, if the predefined ratio is 50 / 50. It will be appreciated that when the set of wireless networks comprises more than two wireless networks, the predefined ratio may be defined between each wireless network, for example a 25 / 25 / 25 / 25 split across four wireless networks.

[0052] In some embodiments, the switching criteria 308 comprise a user preferred network 308d. The user preferred network 308d may identify one of the set of wireless networks to be a preferred wireless network for the user. The switching criteria 308 may therefore define that the designated wireless network is the user preferred network 308d, subject to the user preferred network 308d meeting any additional switching criteria 308.

[0053] For example, the switching criteria 308 may comprise a user preferred network 308d indicating the first wireless network 102 as the user preferred network, as well as a connectivity criterion 308b defining a minimum connectivity. Thus, the loT device 202 will determine the first wireless network 102 to be the designated wireless network as long as the first wireless network 102 meets the minimum connectivity. If the first wireless network 102 does not meet the minimum connectivity, the loT device 202 may select another wireless network from the set of wireless networks which meets the connectivity criterion 308b, such as the second wireless network 104.

[0054] In another example, the switching criteria 308 may comprise a user preferred network 308d indicating the first wireless network 102 as the user preferred network, as well as a signal strength criterion 308a defining a minimum signal strength. Thus, the loT device 202 will determine the first wireless network 102 to be the designated wireless network as long as the first wireless network 102 meets the minimum signal strength. If the first wireless network 102 does not meet the minimum signal strength, the loT device 202 may select another wireless network from the set of wireless networks which meets the signal strength criterion 308a, such as the second wireless network 104.

[0055] In this way, the preferred network can act as a default network, and the user device 106 will only switch to an alternative network due to for example, connectivity or signal strength issues. This may be desired if for example the user preferred network is a lower cost network, for example with an unlimited quota, and Internet access via the alternative network includes, for example, the use of mobile data.

[0056] It will be appreciated that the network data 302 may include one or both of the illustrated network metrics 302a, 302b, and / or additional network metrics not shown. Likewise, the switching criteria may comprise any combination of the illustrated criteria.P1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO

[0057] The switching criteria may be configurable by a user of the loT device. For example, a user may preconfigure the loT device 202 to define a particular set of switching criteria 308. The switching criteria 308 may then be updated or otherwise changed via user input.

[0058] The loT device 202 is configured to select a designated wireless network to meet the switching criteria 308 based on the current network data 302. As discussed, the loT device 202 may periodically or iteratively connect to each wireless network of the set of wireless networks to update the network data 302. Thus, each time the network data 302 is updated or changed, the designated wireless network may also be updated to reflect the updated network data 302.

[0059] Returning to Figure 2, the loT device 202 is communicatively coupled to the user device 106. The loT device is configured to communicate, to the user device 106, an indication of the determined designated wireless network. The communication may be via a wired communication between the loT device 202 and the user device 106, for example a USB connection. Alternatively, the communication may be wireless. For example, the loT device 202 may communicate with the user device 106 via WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC or the like.

[0060] The indication of the designated wireless network may comprise an instruction configured to cause the user device 106 to automatically switch to connect to the designated wireless network. That is, the user device 106 may be configured to execute instructions to automatically connect to the designated wireless network when the indication of the designated wireless network is received from the loT device 202. Thus, the switching may occur automatically for a user to provide the best network connection in view of the switching criteria 308 without user input being required.

[0061] The loT device 202 may periodically communicate the indication of the designated wireless network, for example at predetermined intervals. Alternatively, the loT device 202 may be configured to only communicate an updated indication of the designated wireless network if the designated wireless network switches, thereby reducing communication burden.

[0062] With reference to Figure 4, there is illustrated a computer-implemented method 400 for wireless network management. The method 400 may be performed by the loT device 202. In step 402, method 400 comprises communicating, by the loT device 202, data over each of a set of wireless networks including at least the first wireless network 102 and the second wireless network 104. In step 404, the method 400 comprises determining, by the loT device 202, network data 302 in dependence on the communication between the loT device 202 and each network of the set of wireless networks. For example, the network data 302 may be the network data shown in Figure 3B and comprise one or both of a signal strength metric 302a and a connectivity metric 302b for each of the wireless networks in the set.P1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO

[0063] In step 406, the method 400 comprises selecting, in dependence on the network data 302 and a switching criteria 308, a designated wireless network from the set of wireless networks.

[0064] According to one example, the method 400 may operate in a signal strength mode. The network data 302 comprises the signal strength metric 302a and the switching criteria 308 comprises the signal strength criterion 308a. In step 406, the method 400 may comprise according to the signal strength criterion 308a, selecting the wireless network of the set having the highest signal strength metric 302a as the designated wireless network.

[0065] According to another example, the method 400 may operate in a connectivity mode. The network data 302 comprises the connectivity metric 302b and the switching criteria 308 comprises the connectivity criterion 308b. In step 406, the method 400 may comprise according to the connectivity criterion 308b, selecting the wireless network of the set having the highest connectivity metric 302b, i.e. The strongest connectivity, as the designated wireless network.

[0066] According to another example, the method 400 may operate in a load balancing mode. In step 406, the method may comprise selecting the designated wireless network to achieve a preconfigured load balancing ratio between the wireless networks of the set, subject to any minimum criteria set by the switching criteria 308, such as a minimum signal strength or connectivity.

[0067] According to another example, the method 400 may operate in a preferred network mode. In step 406, the method may comprise selecting the designated wireless network to be a user preferred network, subject to any minimum criteria set by the switching criteria 308, such as a minimum signal strength or connectivity.

[0068] In step 408, method 400 comprises communicating, from the loT device 202 to a user device 106, an indication of the designated wireless network. The user device 106 may then be configured to automatically connect to the designated wireless network in dependence on the received indication.

[0069] One or more steps of method 400 may be performed iteratively. In particular, steps 402, 404 and 406 may each be performed as an iterative process at predetermined intervals. For example, every ten seconds, one minute, thirty seconds, or any other predetermined interval. Step 408 may be performed at every iteration, or may be performed only if the designated wireless network determined in step 406 is different to that of the preceding iteration. That is, step 408 may only be performed if the designated wireless network changes.P1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO

[0070] The set of wireless networks may comprise more than two wireless networks. In Figure 5, an embodiment is illustrated comprising a first wireless network 102, a second wireless network 104 and a third wireless network 514. The user device 106 is configured to connect to each of the first to third wireless networks. The loT device is configured to determine the network data further in dependence on a communication between the loT device and the third wireless network 514. That is, the loT device 202 may be configured to iteratively connect to the third wireless network 514 in addition to the first wireless network 102 and the second wireless network 104, and determine respective network metric(s) for the third wireless network 514. The designated wireless network may therefore be selected from any of the first wireless network, the second wireless network and the third wireless network. In other embodiments, further additional wireless networks may be provided and treated analogously to the first wireless network 102, second wireless network 104 and third wireless network 514.

[0071] The loT device 202 may be configured to perform wireless network management for more than one user device. In Figure 5, two user devices are illustrated, the user device 106 and a second user device 516. The loT device 202 may be configured to store or access second switching criteria associated with the second user device. The second switching criteria may be preconfigured and comprise any of the same switching criteria described with respect to Figure 3B. The second switching criteria for the second user device 516 may differ from the switching criteria 308 for the user device 106.

[0072] The loT device is configured to select a second designated wireless network in dependence on the second switching criteria and the network data. In some embodiments, the second designated wireless network may be the same as the designated wireless network. In other embodiments, particularly if the switching criteria differ from the second switching criteria, the second designated wireless network may be a different network of the set of wireless networks than the designated wireless network. The loT device 202 may then be configured to communicate, to the second user device 516, an indication of the second designated wireless network.

[0073] In this way, the loT device 202 may concurrently manage wireless network switching for multiple user devices according to unique criteria for each device.

[0074] The loT device 202 according to embodiments described herein provides a cost effective and efficient wireless network management system. By iteratively connecting to each of the set of wireless networks, the loT device 202 can maintain up to date network data 302 reflecting a current state of each of the set of wireless networks, for example an up to date connectivity and / or signal strength for each of the set of wireless networks. Based on switching criteria 308 preconfigured by a user, the loT device 202 can then continually orP1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO iteratively update a designated wireless network which best meets the switching criteria 308, and communicate this to the user device 106 such that the user device 106 may connect to the most appropriate wireless network.

[0075] As the loT device 202 manages the switching decision making and the network data 302, the user device 106 is not required to constantly connect to each network of the set of wireless networks to determine a state of each network. Thus, disruption to the network connectivity of the user device 106 is minimised.

[0076] Further, the loT device 202 is only required to perform a limited set of functions as set out in the present disclosure, i.e., connect to each wireless network, maintain network data 302, determine the designated wireless network and communicate the designated wireless network to the or each user device. Thus, the loT device 202 can be implemented as a low cost, high efficiency system on chip microcontroller or similar, providing a flexible, low cost solution to users. The loT device 202 can be configured in some embodiments to manage wireless network connections for multiple user devices, thereby negating the need for each user device to individually implement a wireless network management solution.

[0077] Further, the loT device 202 both lower cost and provides higher flexibility than a dual WAN router. A dual WAN router may be configured to switch between two WAN connections, however is high cost, often slow and provides a fixed number of WAN ports. The loT device 202 may manage switching between a set of wireless networks of any number.

[0078] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine- readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

[0079] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intendedP1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0080] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0081] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

P1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An Internet of Things, loT, device for wireless network management comprising: a communication module configured to communicate data over each of a set of wireless networks including at least a first wireless network and a second wireless network; one or more processors; and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: determine network data in dependence on a communication between the loT device and each network of the set of wireless networks; in dependence on the network data and one or more switching criteria, select a designated wireless network from the set of wireless networks; and communicate, to a user device, an indication of the designated wireless network.

2. The loT device of claim 1 , wherein the indication of the designated wireless network comprises an instruction configured to cause the user device to automatically switch to connect to the designated wireless network.

3. The loT device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first wireless network comprises a first Wi-Fi network and the second wireless network comprises a second Wi-Fi network.

4. The loT device of claim 3, wherein the first Wi-Fi network provides a first Internet connection via a first wide area network, WAN, and wherein the second Wi-Fi network provides a second Internet connection via a second WAN.

5. The loT device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more switching criteria are configurable by a user of the loT device.

6. The loT device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the loT device is configured to iteratively connect to each network of the set of wireless networks to update the determined network data.

7. The loT device of claim 6, wherein the loT device is configured to iteratively update the designated wireless network in dependence on the updated network data.P1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO8. The loT device of claim 7, wherein the loT device is configured to communicate an updated indication of the designated wireless network to the user device if the designated wireless network switches between two networks of the set of wireless networks.

9. The loT device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the network data comprises a signal strength metric for each of the set of wireless networks, and wherein the one or more switching criteria comprise maximizing a signal strength of the designated wireless network.

10. The loT device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more switching criteria comprises a load balancing criterion to balance a load of the user device between each network of the set of wireless networks according to a predefined ratio.11 . The loT device of claim 10, wherein the loT device is configured to receive a remaining internet usage quota of the user device for each network of the set of wireless networks and determine the predefined ratio in dependence on the remaining internet usage quotas.

12. The loT device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the network data comprises a connectivity metric indicative of a network connectivity for each network of the set of wireless networks, and wherein the one or more switching criteria comprise: maximising a network connectivity for the designated wireless network; or a minimum network connectivity for the designated wireless network.

13. The loT device of claim 12, wherein the connectivity metric comprises an Internet connectivity metric and wherein the minimum network connectivity comprises a minimum Internet connectivity.

14. The loT device of claim 13, wherein the loT device is configured to perform a continuous ping test for each of the set of wireless networks to determine each Internet connectivity metric.

15. The loT device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the loT device is configured to store a user preferred network of the set of wireless networks, and wherein the one or more switching criteria comprise defaulting the designated network to the user preferred network if the user preferred network meets a minimum criteria.

16. The loT device of claim 15 when dependent through claim 12, wherein the minimum criteria for the user preferred network comprises the minimum network connectivity.P1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO17. The loT device of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the set of wireless networks further comprises a third wireless network, and wherein the loT device is configured to: determine the network data further in dependence on a communication between the loT device and the third wireless network; and select the designated wireless network from the first wireless network, the second wireless network and the third wireless network.

18. The loT device of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the loT device is configured to: in dependence on the network data and one or more second switching criteria, select a second designated wireless network from the set of wireless networks; and communicate, to a second user device, an indication of the second designated wireless network.

19. A computer-implemented method for wireless network management comprising: communicating, by an loT device, data over each of a set of wireless networks including at least a first wireless network and a second wireless network; determining, by the loT device, network data in dependence on the communication between the loT device and each network of the set of wireless networks; in dependence on the network data and one or more switching criteria, selecting, by the loT device, a designated wireless network from the set of wireless networks; and communicating, from the loT device to a user device, an indication of the designated wireless network.

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, further comprising: by the user device, automatically connecting to the designated wireless network in dependence on the received indication.21 . The computer-implemented method of claim 19 or 20, further comprising configuring, at the loT device in dependence on a user input, the one or more switching criteria.

22. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 19 to 21 , further comprising: iteratively connecting, by the loT device, to each network of the set of wireless networks to update the determined network data; iteratively updating, by the loT device, the designated wireless network in dependence on the updated network data; and17P1 10530-WO 17289109. MEW. MEW P262866WOOO communicating an updated indication of the designated wireless network from the loT device to the user device if the designated wireless network switches between two networks of the set of wireless networks.

23. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the network data comprises a signal strength metric for each of the set of wireless networks, and wherein the one or more switching criteria comprise maximizing a signal strength of the designated wireless network.

24. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the network data comprises a connectivity metric indicative of a network connectivity for each network of the set of wireless networks, and wherein the one or more switching criteria comprise: maximizing a network connectivity of the designated wireless network, or a minimum network connectivity for the designated wireless network.

25. Computer software which, when executed, is arranged to perform a method according to any one of claims 19 to 24.18

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