Dual-Network Connection Control for Private and Public Wireless Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication apparatuses fail to effectively manage connections between cellular networks and wireless LANs due to differences in network characteristics, particularly when dealing with private networks that may not have Internet access or provide low-speed communication, leading to inefficient use of network resources and potential load on public networks.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that determines network characteristics to optimize connection control, allowing concurrent or exclusive use of cellular networks and wireless LANs based on network type, ensuring efficient data communication and load balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a communication apparatus connects to both cellular network and wireless LAN simultaneously, then communication versatility is improved, but network management complexity increases due to different network characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection and switching mechanisms that adapt connection status based on real-time network characteristics, communication requirements, and environmental conditions. The system dynamically adjusts between cellular network and wireless LAN connections, and between connected and disconnected states from the wireless LAN, rather than maintaining static simultaneous connections.
2Productivity
If the communication apparatus connects to wireless LAN in private network environment, then local communication efficiency is improved, but Internet access capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts wireless LAN connection status based on the type of cellular network detected. When a public cellular network is detected, the wireless LAN is connected to enable Internet access. When a private cellular network is detected, the wireless LAN is disconnected to prioritize local communication efficiency, thus adapting to different network environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the communication apparatus continuously monitors cellular network characteristics and adjusts wireless LAN connection status accordingly. The system detects network type information from the cellular network and uses this feedback to control whether to connect or disconnect from the wireless LAN, optimizing performance for the current environment.
3Reliability
If the communication apparatus maintains connection to public cellular network, then Internet access is ensured, but load on public network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless LAN acts as an intermediary network for Internet access when available and appropriate. The system can route traffic through the wireless LAN instead of the cellular network, reducing load on the public cellular network while maintaining Internet access capability. The wireless LAN serves as a mediator that can offload traffic from the cellular network.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A communication apparatus (101), which has a first communication function for executing communication in a first communication network (103, 106) and a second communication function for executing communication in a second communication network (105, 107), controls (F304-F307), in a case where the apparatus is in connection with the first communication network, based on a characteristic of the first communication network, a connection to the second communication network in a state in which the connection with the first communication network is maintained.