Connection Manager for Seamless WiFi and Cellular Network Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices experience reduced voice service quality due to increased data service usage consuming network bandwidth, necessitating technologies that enable seamless switching between cell phone networks and local WiFi networks to optimize bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
Mobile devices employ a connection manager to scan for and analyze available WiFi networks, determining whether to switch from cell phone networks to WiFi for data services, thereby reducing load on cell phone networks and improving voice service quality by connecting to networks with stronger signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mobile devices use cell phone networks for data service, then data service is provided to customers, but network bandwidth is consumed causing reduced voice service quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connection manager as an intermediary component that monitors network conditions and automatically switches between cell phone networks and WiFi networks. This mediator resolves the contradiction by routing data traffic through appropriate networks based on real-time bandwidth availability, thereby maintaining voice service quality on cell phone networks while providing continuous data service through WiFi when available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts network selection based on changing conditions. The connection manager continuously monitors bandwidth availability, signal strength, and network status, then adapts the data service path in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to switch from cell phone networks to WiFi networks when bandwidth constraints threaten voice service quality, and vice versa when WiFi becomes unavailable.
2Reliability
If mobile devices switch between cell phone networks and WiFi networks, then bandwidth usage is optimized and voice service quality is maintained, but network switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection manager operates autonomously without requiring user intervention. It self-monitors network conditions, self-decides when switching is necessary based on predefined criteria, and self-executes the network transition. This self-service approach masks the underlying complexity from the user while maintaining simple operation from the user's perspective.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection manager serves multiple functions: it monitors network status, evaluates bandwidth availability, manages network switching, and maintains data service continuity. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function.
3Ease of operation
If connection managers scan and analyze WiFi networks, then seamless network migration is achieved, but scanning and analysis time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The connection manager performs preliminary scanning and analysis of WiFi networks in advance, maintaining a cached list of available WiFi networks and their characteristics. When a switch is needed, it uses this pre-collected information to quickly identify suitable networks without performing complete scans at the moment of switching. This preliminary action significantly reduces the time loss associated with network scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of network scanning by adjusting scan intervals, scan depth, and analysis frequency based on current conditions. During stable periods, scanning is performed less frequently to minimize time loss. When switching is anticipated or network conditions change, scanning parameters are adjusted to provide more detailed information quickly, balancing thoroughness with time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method includes scanning for wireless networks, where scanning includes collecting network information indicating properties of the wireless networks. The method can include analyzing the network information to determine signal data indicating signal qualities for the wireless networks. The method can include characterizing, based on the signal data, one or more wireless networks as being suitable for connection by the mobile device, where the characterizing includes determining, based on the signal data, movement of the mobile relative to one or more access points of the wireless networks. The method can include determining that one or more signals of the wireless networks are above a dwell threshold level for reliable wireless connectivity. The method can include determining that one or more signals has been dropped, and connecting to the mobile device to one of the one or more wireless networks that are suitable for connection.