Access Terminal Network Handoff Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in seamlessly transitioning between disparate wireless networks and protocols due to laborious switching processes, often getting trapped in suboptimal networks without access to the best communication protocol for their current situation.
Innovation Solution
An access terminal equipped with a processor that maintains databases to select the best access points based on current traffic states, utilizing lists like the Visited AP List and Candidate AP List to manage handoffs between WWAN and WLAN, and within WLAN, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal protocol usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually switch between different wireless networks and protocols, then they can select the optimal network, but the switching process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The access terminal automatically performs network selection and handoff operations without user intervention. The device monitors multiple networks simultaneously, evaluates their suitability based on current traffic states, and autonomously switches between them, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The access terminal maintains databases of visited and candidate access points in advance. Before a handoff is needed, the device has already identified and evaluated potential target networks, so when switching is required, the process is expedited because the selection work has been preliminarily completed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the access terminal monitors multiple networks simultaneously, then optimal network selection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network management functionality is segmented into distinct databases: a visited access point list storing historical connection data and a candidate access point list storing potential handoff targets. This segmentation allows the complex task of multi-network management to be divided into manageable, independent data structures that can be processed efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The access terminal is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple wireless protocols and network types simultaneously. The device can operate on different networks using different protocols while maintaining a unified handoff management approach, making it adaptable to various network environments without requiring separate management systems for each protocol.
3Measurement precision
If the access terminal performs frequent network scans, then optimal access points are identified, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous scanning, the access terminal performs periodic network evaluations at strategically determined intervals. The device monitors network conditions and initiates scans based on traffic state changes or timeout events, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate measurement precision for optimal access point identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from current traffic states and network conditions to dynamically adjust scanning behavior. When network conditions are stable, scanning frequency is reduced to conserve energy. When changes are detected or performance degradation occurs, scanning intensity increases to maintain measurement precision, creating an adaptive energy-efficient monitoring system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure is directed to an access terminal, and method for selecting an access point for handing off the access terminal. The access terminal may include a processor. The processor may be configured to access a list access points and select one of the access points on the list based on the current traffic state of the access terminal.