Location-Based Network Selection for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices often inadvertently connect to roaming networks within their home network coverage area due to poor signal strength, leading to unnecessary roaming charges, as existing network selection methods rely on signal strength and priority lists without considering the device's exact geographic location.
Innovation Solution
A location-based network selection method that determines a mobile device's geographic position using boundary maps and positioning logic, biasing the connection to the home network over roaming networks by utilizing GPS or other location methods, and periodically updating these maps to ensure accurate coverage information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile device selects networks based on signal strength and priority lists, then the device can maintain connectivity in areas with poor home network coverage, but the device may inadvertently connect to roaming networks within home network coverage area, causing unnecessary roaming charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to network selection by incorporating geographic location data (latitude/longitude coordinates and coverage area boundaries) alongside traditional signal strength and priority list criteria. This spatial dimension enables the system to distinguish between being physically present in the home network coverage area versus actually needing to roam, thereby preventing unnecessary roaming charges while maintaining connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely signal-strength-based mechanical selection process with an intelligent decision-making system that uses location-based services (LBS) to determine network selection. This substitution allows the system to consider geographic context and coverage area boundaries rather than relying solely on signal strength metrics, enabling more accurate differentiation between home network and roaming scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile device uses preferred roaming lists to connect to networks, then the device can access networks outside home coverage, but the device cannot distinguish between overlapping coverage areas and inadvertently roams within home network boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds geographic spatial dimension to the network selection process by incorporating latitude/longitude coordinates and coverage area boundary information. This enables the system to precisely determine whether the device is located within home network coverage boundaries or truly needs to access roaming networks, thereby improving location awareness while maintaining network access versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces location-based services (LBS) as an intermediary mechanism between the device and network selection logic. This intermediary provides geographic context information (current location and coverage area boundaries) that mediates the decision-making process, enabling the system to accurately distinguish between home network and roaming scenarios while maintaining adaptability to various network conditions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the mobile device connects to any available network with sufficient signal strength, then the device maintains service continuity, but the device incurs roaming charges when within home network coverage due to overlapping network areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates geographic location and coverage area boundary information as an additional dimension to network selection criteria. This enables the system to evaluate not only signal strength and service availability but also geographic context, allowing the device to maintain service continuity by selecting appropriate networks while avoiding unnecessary roaming charges when within home network coverage boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the network selection parameters by adding location-based parameters (current latitude/longitude, coverage area boundaries, and determined coverage area) to the existing signal strength and priority list parameters. This parameter expansion enables the system to make more informed network selection decisions that balance service continuity with cost efficiency, preventing unnecessary roaming charges while maintaining reliable connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for connecting a mobile device with one of a plurality of wireless networks, involves initiating a registration of the mobile device with one of the plurality of wireless networks. A geographic position of the mobile device is determined with respect to at least one of the plurality of wireless networks. A connection is established to one of the plurality of wireless networks responsive to the determined geographic position of the mobile device.