Adaptive Wake-Up Period for Roaming Wireless Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless terminals operating in hibernation cycles face challenges when roaming between different wireless networks, as they need to extend their wake-up period to receive additional network information, which is not transmitted in consecutive registration procedures, requiring more time and potentially leading to data communication cutoffs.
Innovation Solution
A control module in the terminal detects network changes by monitoring overhead messages for NID and SID numbers, extending the wake-up period when a new network is joined to ensure all necessary data is communicated before the terminal enters hibernation mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wake-up period is extended to receive additional network information when roaming to a new network, then the terminal can successfully register and communicate with the new network, but the energy consumption increases and the low duty cycle operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wake-up period duration variable rather than fixed. The control module dynamically adjusts the wake-up period length based on whether the terminal is roaming to a new network or remaining in the same network. When roaming is detected (via NID/SID comparison), the wake-up period is extended to allow complete reception of network information messages. When not roaming, the terminal uses the standard shorter wake-up period, maintaining low duty cycle operation and minimizing energy consumption.
2Loss of information
If the wake-up period is extended to ensure complete data communication during network roaming, then all necessary network information can be received, but the productivity of the terminal decreases due to longer active periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the wake-up period duration based on roaming status. The control module monitors overhead messages for NID and SID numbers to detect network changes. When a network change is detected, the wake-up period is extended only for that specific occurrence, ensuring complete reception of network information messages. For all other wake-up periods where the terminal remains in the same network, the standard shorter duration is used, thereby maintaining high operational efficiency and productivity.
3Loss of energy
If the terminal uses a fixed short wake-up period to maintain low duty cycle operation, then energy consumption is minimized, but the terminal may fail to receive complete network information when roaming to a new network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control module continuously monitor overhead messages broadcast by the network for NID (Network Identification) and SID (System Identification) numbers. The terminal compares these received identifiers with previously stored values to determine whether it has roamed to a new network. This feedback mechanism allows the terminal to make informed decisions about extending the wake-up period only when necessary, ensuring complete network information reception during roaming while maintaining energy-efficient short wake-up periods during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a wireless terminal operating in a hibernation cycle alternating between a wake mode and a hibernation mode includes communicating with a first wireless network during a first waking period having a first duration, and with a second wireless network during a second waking period following the first waking period. The second waking period is extended to a second duration, greater than the first duration, responsively to detecting that the second wireless network is different from the first wireless network. Network information relating to the second wireless network is received during the second waking period.