Seamless Call Handoff Between 802.1x and Cellular Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices with both cellular and 802.1x capabilities lack the ability to seamlessly hand off calls between these two different wireless networks, resulting in dropped connections and potential loss of data or information when moving out of range.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device with both cellular and 802.1x capabilities, equipped with signal strength detection circuitry and a handoff selector, automatically or manually switches calls between networks by querying for signaling and IP connectivity information and establishing new connections through media gateways and call control servers, ensuring seamless transitions between 802.1x and cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a device uses only 802.1x network for communication, then it can achieve high data transmission speed, but the call is dropped when the device moves out of range of the access point
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the communication parameter (network type) based on signal strength conditions. When 802.1x signal strength falls below a threshold, the system automatically switches to cellular network parameters to maintain connection, resolving the contradiction between high speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a handoff management mechanism as an intermediary between the 802.1x network and cellular network. This intermediary coordinates the transition process, ensuring seamless switching between networks without dropping the call, thus maintaining both speed and reliability.
2Reliability
If a device uses only cellular network for communication, then the call remains stable, but the transmission speed is lower compared to 802.1x network
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the network parameter based on real-time signal conditions. When cellular signal is available and 802.1x signal is weak, it switches to cellular network parameters to ensure stability, accepting lower speed as a trade-off for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic network selection mechanism that adapts to changing signal conditions. The system continuously monitors signal strength and dynamically switches between 802.1x and cellular networks based on current conditions, optimizing the balance between speed and stability.
3Ease of operation
If the device manually switches between networks after call drop, then the user has control over network selection, but information is lost during the switching process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the handoff process before the actual call drop occurs. It continuously monitors signal strength and prepares the handoff parameters in advance, so when switching is needed, the transition can occur seamlessly without information loss, while still allowing user control through the handoff selector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of the communication action during network switching. By maintaining the call connection throughout the handoff process and using the handoff selector for user control, the system eliminates information loss while preserving user agency in network selection.
4Reliability
If the device automatically hands off calls between networks based on signal strength, then seamless communication is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to signal detection and handoff management circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing network interface cards and communication modules multi-functional by enabling them to operate on both 802.1x and cellular networks. This universal capability allows seamless handoff without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each network type, thus reducing the complexity increase while achieving reliable seamless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring signal strength and executing handoff decisions based on pre-configured thresholds. The handoff management circuitry operates autonomously without requiring complex user intervention or external control, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable seamless handoff capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Call handoff from an 802.1x network to a cellular network, and vice versa. A wireless device that has both cellular and 802.1x capability detects the strength of a cellular signal and of an 802.1x signal. If a call is taking place over the 802.1x network and the strength of the 802.1x signal drops below a particular level and the strength of the cellular signal is above a certain level, the call is handed off from the 802.1x network to the cellular network. If a call is taking place over the cellular network and the cellular signal strength drops below a certain level while the 802.1x signal strength is above a certain level, the call is handed off from the cellular network to the 802.1x network. In addition, the user of the wireless device can manually initiate the handoff by actuating a handoff selector of the wireless device.