Intelligent Cellular-WiFi Network Switching for Latency-Bound Services

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network systems face challenges in efficiently managing the increasing data burden on cellular networks by effectively switching between cellular and WiFi networks to optimize user experience, particularly for latency-sensitive and data-centric services, without relying solely on static configurations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an intelligent traffic switch that dynamically evaluates and switches between cellular and WiFi networks based on real-time measurements and predictions of latency, throughput, and mobility, using beacon signals and machine learning to ensure high throughput and bounded latency, thereby optimizing network selection for metaverse services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static network configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but network performance and user experience deteriorate due to inability to adapt to changing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidswitching system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic network switching by continuously monitoring network conditions (latency, throughput, packet loss) and automatically transitioning between cellular and WiFi networks based on real-time performance metrics. The system dynamically adjusts network selection criteria based on service requirements and current network state, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through automated dynamic decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously measuring network performance parameters (latency, throughput, packet loss) and using this feedback to inform switching decisions. The feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing network conditions automatically, achieving high adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration by providing real-time performance monitoring and automated response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If network switching is implemented to offload data, then cellular network congestion is reduced, but switching reliability deteriorates due to potential service discontinuity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata offloading efficiencyVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-evaluating network conditions and predicting performance before switching occurs. It measures latency, throughput, and packet loss in advance, and uses these predictions to make informed switching decisions, ensuring that transitions occur only when target networks are ready to handle traffic, thereby maintaining service continuity while enabling effective data offloading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by maintaining measurement and evaluation capabilities that buffer against poor switching decisions. It continuously monitors network conditions and has prediction mechanisms ready to prevent switching to inadequate networks, cushioning against potential service disruptions while enabling aggressive data offloading strategies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Measurement precision

If real-time network measurement is performed, then network selection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performance measurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by performing measurements selectively based on service requirements and current network conditions. It measures latency, throughput, and packet loss with appropriate precision for each service type, avoiding excessive measurement activity when network conditions are stable or when services are less sensitive, thereby achieving sufficient measurement accuracy while reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Ease of operation

If dynamic network switching is implemented, then user experience is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple evaluation criteria

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experience qualityVSAvoidswitching control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by autonomously evaluating network conditions, predicting performance, and making switching decisions without user intervention. It automatically monitors latency, throughput, and packet loss, and applies switching criteria based on service requirements, providing high-quality user experience while managing complexity through automated self decision-making rather than user control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12445894B2Intelligent traffic switch between networks

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, selecting a latency comparison, a throughput comparison, a security comparison, a reliability comparison, movement information or a combination thereof for an end user device executing a communication service according to a service type resulting in a selection criteria, wherein the comparisons are evaluations of each of different available connections; and generating a switching decision by selecting one of the connections. Other embodiments are disclosed.