Mesh Network Access Point Handover for Mobile External Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face limitations in maintaining signal strength and mobility when connecting to external networks via access points, as signal strength decreases with distance, necessitating limited mobility within the vicinity of the access point for better connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device employs a mesh network of interconnected access points to facilitate access point handover, allowing it to establish connections through a series of access points to extend connectivity range while maintaining mobility by switching between access points in the mesh network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic device connects to an access point at a distance, then mobility is maintained, but signal strength decreases and connection quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network connection is segmented into multiple access points forming a mesh network. Instead of relying on a single access point, the system divides the connectivity function across multiple nodes (first access point, second access point, third access point), where each segment provides partial connectivity. This allows the electronic device to maintain connection through alternative paths when moving away from the primary access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The second access point acts as an intermediary between the first access point and the third access point. When the electronic device connects to the first access point but external network access is unavailable, the system introduces a second access point within a predefined radius of the first access point that has external network connectivity. This intermediary node bridges the gap and enables indirect network access.
2Reliability
If the electronic device moves closer to the access point, then signal strength improves, but mobility is restricted to a limited region
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a spatial dimension to connectivity by introducing multiple access points at different locations. Instead of the electronic device needing to move in a specific direction toward a single access point, the mesh network provides connectivity options across multiple spatial dimensions. The device can access the network through any available access point within the mesh, effectively expanding the serviceable area without sacrificing signal quality.
3Device complexity
If a single access point is used, then device complexity is low, but connectivity range is limited and external network access cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
Each access point in the mesh network is designed to perform multiple functions: providing local wireless connectivity, relaying data for other access points, and establishing external network connections. The second access point, for example, serves both as a connectivity node for devices in its vicinity and as a bridge to the external network, making the overall system more versatile and adaptable to different connectivity scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a method is provided for external network connectivity based on access point handover through mesh network. A first access point associated with a first wireless network is detected within a first predefined radius. A first connection with the first wireless network is established, based on the first access point being within the first predefined radius. It is determined whether an external network is accessible, based on the established first connection. Detection of a second access point associated with a second wireless network within a second predefined radius from the first access point is controlled. It is determined whether the external network is accessible from the second access point, through the mesh network. The establishment of a second connection between the first access point and the second access point is controlled, based on the external network being accessible from the second access point, through the mesh network.