Access Point Switching With Redundant Multi-Radio Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices experience disruptions in service when transitioning between wireless network access points due to inefficient timing in switching from one access point to another, leading to poor network performance and service interruptions.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing multiple radios in wireless devices to actively or passively detect network information from different access points, allowing for seamless switching by establishing a redundant connection before disconnecting from the current access point, thereby reducing the downtime associated with upper layer protocol renegotiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless device switches from one access point to another using conventional single-radio methods, then the device can access different network locations, but service disruptions occur due to inefficient timing and protocol renegotiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the wireless device detect and evaluate multiple access points in advance using a second radio before actually switching. The device proactively identifies suitable target access points and establishes preliminary connections before disconnecting from the current one, thereby avoiding service disruptions and protocol renegotiation delays during the actual switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a second radio as a mediator that performs detection and evaluation functions separately from the first radio's data transmission function. This intermediary radio enables the device to monitor multiple access points simultaneously without interfering with the active connection, allowing for smoother transitions and reduced service disruption.
2Loss of time
If the wireless device uses multiple radios for detecting network information and establishing redundant connections, then switching time is reduced and service disruptions are minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wireless communication function into separate radios: a first radio dedicated to data transmission and a second radio dedicated to detection and evaluation. This segmentation allows each radio to perform its specific function optimally without interference, reducing switching time while keeping the overall system manageable through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent demonstrates multi-functionality by configuring the wireless device to use multiple radios for different purposes - the first radio handles data communication while the second radio handles network detection, access point evaluation, and redundant connection establishment. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple functions simultaneously, reducing switching downtime.
3Reliability
If the wireless device establishes redundant connections before switching, then network access continues without interruption, but the threshold for connection switching must be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive thresholds for connection switching that adjust based on current network conditions. The system dynamically modifies switching criteria according to signal strength, network load, and availability of redundant connections, allowing optimal switching decisions that maintain reliability while adapting to changing environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the wireless device continuously monitors network conditions through the second radio and adjusts its switching decisions based on real-time information. The device evaluates signal strength, connection quality, and availability of alternative access points, making informed switching decisions that maintain continuous network access while adapting to dynamic conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are described for establishing communication with an access point. A wireless device may determine to switch to another access point radio based on a variety of factors. The wireless device may use a dynamic threshold to determine whether to switch to another access point radio. The dynamic threshold may be based on a current state of the wireless device. The wireless device may determine other access point radios to switch to directly or indirectly. An access point radio may broadcast information associated with the access point as well as information associated with other access point radios.