Access Point Switching Control for Stable Communication Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face issues with the potential disruption or disconnection when switching connection destination access points, especially when the change is not necessary, leading to operational problems for devices like MFPs and mobile terminals.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that allows controlling the execution of changing connection destination access points, enabling the apparatus to inhibit such changes during initial connection and permit them only after a stable connection is established, thereby reducing unnecessary disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the connection destination AP is switched dynamically based on congestion degree and radio wave status, then communication efficiency is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to potential disruptions during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of connection destination AP switching from automatic dynamic switching to conditional switching based on connection status. The system monitors whether the terminal device has successfully connected and established stable communication before allowing AP switching, thus changing the switching parameter from purely performance-based to stability-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AP monitors the connection status between the terminal device and the network. Based on this feedback information about connection establishment success, the AP dynamically adjusts whether to permit connection destination changes, creating a closed-loop control system that balances efficiency and stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If connection destination AP change processing is executed upon receiving change requests, then adaptability to network conditions is improved, but operational disruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking connection establishment status before executing AP change processing. The system performs a preliminary verification to ensure the terminal has successfully connected and is operating normally before permitting destination changes, preventing disruptions caused by switching during unstable connection states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the AP change processing dynamic by adjusting its execution based on real-time connection status. The system transitions from static automatic switching to dynamic conditional switching, where the switching behavior adapts to the current connection state, enabling changes only when appropriate
3Speed
If AP switching is performed without checking connection stability, then response speed to network changes is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter controlling AP switching from unconditional to conditional based on connection establishment status. By introducing a status check parameter, the system maintains fast response capability while adding a reliability gate that prevents switching during unstable connections
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes: a first execution unit that executes, based on the reception of the information used to connect to the first access point, a first setting for inhibiting the communication apparatus from executing change processing of changing a connection destination of the communication apparatus from the first access point to a second access point in response to a change request transmitted from the first access point; and a second execution unit that executes, based on performing of communication with the terminal device via the first access point, a second setting for allowing the communication apparatus to execute the change processing after the connection between the communication apparatus and the first access point is established.