Heterogeneous Network Handoff Controller Bypassing Scanning Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices experience delays and interruptions when transitioning from one wireless network to another due to the time-consuming and power-intensive handoff process, especially when switching between wireless wide area networks and local area networks with different radio access technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables seamless handoffs between heterogeneous wireless networks by using a controller with modules to detect, authenticate, and associate communication devices with access points, and to deliver wide area network servicing base station information, allowing devices to bypass traditional scanning processes and reduce processing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional handoff procedures are used when transitioning between wireless networks, then the device can successfully switch networks, but the process is time-consuming and causes delays in voice and data connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the device scan for and identify available wide area networks while still connected to the local area network. The controller stores this information in advance, so when a handoff is needed, the device already has the necessary network information ready, eliminating the need for time-consuming scanning during the actual transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the device and the wide area network. It receives and stores network information from the wide area network, then provides this information to the device when needed, streamlining the handoff process by mediating the information exchange rather than requiring direct device-to-network communication during transition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device scans and downloads network information during handoff, then it can determine how to connect to the new network, but this consumes significant device processing power
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary that performs the complex task of interpreting and storing network information from the wide area network. When handoff is needed, the controller provides pre-processed information to the device, eliminating the need for the device to expend processing power on scanning and downloading network details.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having the controller automatically monitor, scan, and store wide area network information without requiring active device involvement. The device simply receives the prepared information when needed, reducing its processing burden while maintaining network adaptability.
3Reliability
If the device performs complete network scanning and protocol detection, then it can ensure proper connection setup, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs network scanning, protocol detection, and information gathering in advance while the device is still on the local network. The controller stores all necessary connection information beforehand, transforming a complex multi-step process into a simple information retrieval operation during handoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity of network information management. It receives, processes, and stores detailed network parameters from the wide area network, then provides simplified connection information to the device, reducing the perceived complexity for the end user and device.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for accommodating a rapid transition between heterogeneous radio access technologies is provided. A local network 105 having a controller 114 and a plurality of access points 106,107,108,109,110,111 receives information 117 from a communication device 101 relating to the network 116 it is exiting. During the transition process from a first network 116, for example a cellular wide area network, to a second network 105, for example an IMS-WLAN, the communication device 101 passes its wide area network servicing base station information 117 to an access point 106 of the local network 105. Upon exiting the local network 105, wide area network servicing base station information 121 is delivered to an exiting communication device 112, thereby enabling it to abbreviate or eliminate traditional scanning and acquisition processes that occur in network handoff exchanges.