Dynamic Access Network Selection for Mobile Wi-Fi Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network selection tools, such as ANDSF, lack dynamic mechanisms to efficiently manage user equipment movement between mobile and Wi-Fi networks, leading to static and inefficient network usage, especially in congested conditions or when quality of service requirements are not met.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that provide access network selection information to user equipment, incorporating priority information and network access policies, allowing for dynamic selection between cellular and local wireless networks based on current priorities and conditions, such as congestion or quality of service, using message protocols associated with cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static network selection tools (ANDSF) are used, then network selection is simple to implement, but network usage becomes inefficient under congested conditions or when quality of service requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection by enabling user equipment to autonomously evaluate multiple access networks (cellular and Wi-Fi) based on real-time conditions such as network congestion, quality of service requirements, and current usage state. This allows the system to adapt network selection decisions dynamically rather than relying on static pre-configured rules, thereby improving network usage efficiency without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The user equipment is empowered with self-service capabilities to independently perform network selection and switching between cellular and Wi-Fi networks. The device autonomously evaluates available networks, determines the most suitable network based on its current state and requirements, and executes switching decisions without continuous external intervention, thus improving efficiency while maintaining implementation simplicity.
2Reliability
If dynamic network selection is implemented, then network performance is optimized, but the complexity of network selection mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves optimized network performance through dynamic evaluation of multiple access networks based on real-time conditions including congestion levels, quality of service requirements, and user equipment state. The network selection mechanism adapts continuously to changing network conditions, ensuring reliable performance while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized evaluation criteria and decision-making processes.
3Ease of operation
If autonomous network switching is enabled, then user experience is improved, but control over network selection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The user equipment is equipped with autonomous network selection capabilities that enable it to independently evaluate available networks, determine the most suitable network based on current conditions and user requirements, and execute switching decisions without manual intervention. This self-service approach improves user experience by ensuring continuous optimal connectivity while maintaining appropriate levels of automation through standardized evaluation frameworks that balance autonomy with controllable decision-making.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes using a set of information for a plurality of different access networks, said plurality of networks including at least one cellular network and at least one local wireless network and a current priority associated with a user equipment to provide access network selection information to said user equipment for one or more of said a plurality of said network and causing said access network selection information to be provided to said user equipment. The set of information may include a set of priority information and/or a set of network access information.