Adaptive Network Selection for Mobile Hotspots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for selecting the best available network for internet access do not differentiate between Hotspots, mobile Hotspots, and mobile broadband networks, leading to suboptimal network selection based on user-configured criteria such as cost, security, and data rate.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable autonomous selection of the best available network by setting user-configured criteria, storing service attributes of previously visited networks, periodically updating an ordered list of available networks, and selecting the most suitable network based on these criteria and network availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional network selection methods are used, then network availability is maintained, but network selection optimality deteriorates due to lack of differentiation between network types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network selection process into distinct components: network discovery, network evaluation, and network selection. It differentiates between various network types (Hotspot, mobile Hotspot, mobile broadband) and applies specific evaluation criteria to each segment, enabling optimal selection without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network selection criteria that adapt based on user preferences, network conditions, and service requirements. The selection mechanism dynamically adjusts weights for different parameters (data rate, cost, security) and updates the ordered list of available networks periodically, maintaining optimality without requiring complex static configurations
2Productivity
If user-configured criteria are applied for network selection, then network performance is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple selection parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring user preferences and selection criteria before actual network selection occurs. The system stores service attributes of previously visited networks and pre-establishes an ordered list of available networks based on user-defined priorities, so that when network selection is needed, the decision can be made efficiently without complex real-time computations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to automatically manage network selection based on pre-configured user criteria without requiring continuous user intervention. The mechanism autonomously evaluates available networks against stored service attributes and selection criteria, periodically updating the ordered list and selecting the most suitable network, thereby improving efficiency while keeping the user interface simple
Data Source
AI summary
Internet access has become ubiquitous and the means by which it is obtained varies widely. A mobile Hotspot is a device that includes a modem for mobile broadband access and a Hotspot Access Point to distribute the internet to local devices which may have only WLAN connectivity. The internet service attributes such as data rate, latency, cost, performance, power consumption, and security vary widely depending on where and how the internet service is obtained such as using a mobile broadband connection or using wire-line connection. A method and apparatus are disclosed that enable adaptive and seamless selection of the best internet service from available networks considering a plurality of selection criteria including availability, data rate, latency, cost, performance, power consumption, and security. Methods for network selection based on user configurable priority or based on measurement of performance metrics or combination thereof are provided.