Dual-Chipset Wireless Device for Fast Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices (WCDs) face challenges in rapidly and flexibly switching between different wireless networks, particularly when transitioning between commercial and public-safety networks, which can lead to disruptions in service and inefficiencies in resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-chipset system in WCDs, where each chipset is compatible with multiple wireless bands associated with different networks, allowing for seamless switching between networks using direct and emulated circuit connections, and enabling modes such as roaming and fast-network switching based on various criteria like session continuity, location, and network load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single chipset is used in the WCD, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to rapidly switch between different wireless networks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless communication functionality into separate chipsets, each dedicated to specific networks or bands. This segmentation allows independent operation and rapid switching between chipsets without requiring complex reconfiguration of a single chipset, thereby improving network switching speed while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple chipsets within a single WCD, where each chipset can handle different wireless networks and bands. This multi-functionality enables the device to rapidly switch between networks by activating the appropriate chipset, achieving fast network switching while the overall system complexity is managed through standardized interfaces and control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chipsets are implemented for fast switching, then network switching capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple chipsets into a unified WCD architecture with shared components such as antennas, power management, and control logic. This combining approach enables versatile network switching capability across multiple networks and bands while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating redundant components and leveraging shared resources among chipsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration where multiple chipsets are pre-configured with different network credentials and parameters before operation. This preliminary action allows the device to rapidly switch between networks without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration, thereby improving network switching capability while managing system complexity through advance preparation.
3Reliability
If roaming mode is used for network switching, then compatibility with existing networks is maintained, but the switching speed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network switching mode selection, where the system can switch between roaming mode and fast switching mode based on current operational requirements. This dynamic approach maintains reliability by using established roaming protocols when needed, while enabling faster switching when conditions permit, thereby balancing reliability and switching speed adaptively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control mechanism that acts as an intermediary between different network switching modes. This mediator manages the transition between roaming mode and fast switching mode, ensuring that reliability is maintained through proper protocol handling while enabling speed improvements when fast switching is applicable, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and speed.
4Speed
If fast-network switching mode is used, then switching speed is improved, but session continuity may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary session preservation mechanisms where active sessions are saved and maintained during the chipset switching process. Before activating a new chipset for fast switching, the system preserves existing session information, enabling rapid network switching while maintaining session continuity by restoring sessions on the new chipset without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous session operation during network switching by implementing seamless handover mechanisms. The system maintains useful actions (active sessions) continuous throughout the switching process from one chipset to another, achieving both fast switching speed and session continuity through coordinated session management across chipsets.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for flexible fast network switching. In an embodiment, a wireless-communication device has a first chipset compatible with first and second bands and a second chipset compatible with the first band and a third band. The device selects a mode for switching among two or more of the bands. In a first mode with respect to the first and second bands, the device obtains service on the first band via the first chipset. In the first mode with respect to the first and third bands, the device obtains service on the first band via the second chipset. In a second mode with respect to the first and second bands, the device obtains service on the first band via the second chipset. In the second mode with respect to the first and third bands, the device obtains service on the first band via the first chipset.