Mobile Node Vertical Handoff via Dormant Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile nodes often continue using non-preferred air interface protocols during handoffs, even when a preferred protocol with higher data rates is available, leading to suboptimal data transmission rates.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for vertical handoff that allows users to request a switch from a first air interface channel to a second, preferred channel with higher data rates by going into a dormant mode and re-acquiring the preferred channel, utilizing a user interface to indicate availability and facilitate the handoff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mobile node automatically selects air interface protocol based on availability, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but data transmission rate deteriorates when non-preferred protocols are used
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user about available air interface protocols and their characteristics. The user interface displays information about preferred vs. non-preferred protocols, enabling the user to make informed decisions about handoff preferences, thus resolving the contradiction between automatic selection and optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile node maintains capability for both automatic protocol selection and user-initiated handoff. The system serves itself by automatically selecting protocols when no user preference is expressed, while also allowing user intervention when optimal performance is desired, combining both approaches.
2Productivity
If a mobile node switches to preferred air interface protocol, then data transmission rate improves, but handoff complexity increases due to user intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The handoff control function is segmented into two independent paths: automatic handoff control for routine protocol selections, and user-initiated handoff control for preferred protocol selections. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity for automatic operations while enabling enhanced functionality when users choose to intervene.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile node is designed with multi-functionality to handle both automatic and user-initiated handoff scenarios through a unified architecture. The same handoff mechanism can operate in either mode depending on user input, avoiding the need for separate complex systems for each function.
3Productivity
If vertical handoff is enabled, then air interface protocol optimization is achieved, but processing time increases due to dormant mode transition
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile node transitions to dormant mode as a preliminary action before executing the actual protocol switch. This allows the node to prepare necessary resources and release current channel allocations in advance, reducing the overall time required for the handoff execution and minimizing disruption to the communication session.
Data Source
AI summary
While a mobile node is engaged in a communication session via a first air interface channel, the user of the mobile node requests a vertical handoff. In response to the user's handoff request, the mobile node goes into a dormant mode to release the first air interface channel. The mobile node then acquires a second air interface channel, which may have a higher data rate than the first air interface channel, and continues the communication session via the second air interface channel. The mobile node may also determine that a vertical handoff may be available, e.g., by checking a preferred roaming list (PRL), and then indicate to the user that a vertical handoff may be available.