Real-time Interface Quality Comparison via Statistical Path Metrics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for comparing the quality of interfaces in mobile devices over heterogeneous radio networks are limited by their narrow criteria, such as radio signal strength, and are not suitable for real-time, dynamic comparisons, especially in wireless networks, as they require significant network resources and are not applicable to general path metrics.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods for mobile devices to compare interface qualities using path quality metrics like available bandwidth, delay, and jitter in real-time, with minimal network traffic injection, employing techniques like quickest change detection and two-sample statistical tests, allowing for rapid and dynamic comparisons across multiple interfaces in both wireless and wireline networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to compare interface qualities, then measurement criteria are narrow (only radio signal strength), but real-time comparison capability is poor and network resource consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the interface quality comparison from traditional radio signal strength metrics to network path quality metrics (bandwidth, delay, jitter). This parameter transformation enables comprehensive quality assessment across heterogeneous interfaces while maintaining real-time comparison capability through efficient measurement techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/probe-based measurement methods with statistical testing methods (quickest change detection, two-sample tests). This substitution reduces network traffic injection requirements while improving comparison speed and accuracy, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive path quality metrics are used for comparison, then measurement accuracy improves, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile devices to perform self-assessment of interface quality using statistical testing methods. The device independently compares path quality metrics without requiring extensive network probing, reducing network resource consumption while maintaining accurate measurement through efficient use of existing traffic patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using minimal network traffic injection sufficient for statistical testing purposes. Rather than comprehensive probing, the method uses just enough traffic to obtain reliable path quality metrics, achieving accurate measurement with reduced network resource consumption
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional interface comparison methods are used, then implementation is simple, but adaptability to heterogeneous networks is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface quality comparison framework that works across heterogeneous radio networks (WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth). By using common network path quality metrics (bandwidth, delay, jitter) and statistical testing methods, the system achieves multi-interface adaptability while managing complexity through standardized measurement approaches
4Measurement precision
If extensive network probing is performed for quality comparison, then measurement accuracy improves, but handoff delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary statistical analysis of path quality metrics to establish baseline characteristics before handoff decisions are needed. This preliminary action enables faster real-time comparison during actual handoff scenarios, reducing handoff delay while maintaining measurement accuracy through pre-computed statistical parameters
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a system and method for substantially real-time comparison of quality of interfaces by mobile devices over heterogeneous networks is disclosed. The method can be performed using a dynamic and rapid comparison by distributed hosts, using a minimal number of injected network packets, using minimal path quality metrics, which path quality metrics are independent of how a Qol is measured, and in a manner suitable for both wireline and wireless networks.