Multi-homed Wireless Interface Network Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices often experience fast local wireless connections but slow connections to the broader network, making it difficult for users to obtain necessary bandwidth for data transfers without mechanisms to incentivize network nodes to share excess bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that scans for available networks and establishes a secondary network connection based on user-defined preferences, such as cost or reliability, using multi-homed wireless interfaces on portable devices, allowing automatic switching to the least expensive or most reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a wireless device connects to local wireless networks for fast data transfer, then data transfer speed is improved, but transmission range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wireless connection types (local wireless networks and broader wireless networks) into a single multi-homed wireless interface. The system simultaneously maintains connections to different network types, allowing the device to leverage both the high speed of local networks and the extended range of broader networks through network multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless interface is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple network types and protocols simultaneously. The system can operate on different network types (infrastructure mode, ad-hoc mode, mesh mode) and switch between them based on user preferences and availability, making the interface universal rather than specialized for a single network type.
2Device complexity
If a wireless device uses a single network connection, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different network conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its network configuration based on real-time conditions and user preferences. The multi-homed wireless interface can automatically switch between different network types (infrastructure, ad-hoc, mesh modes) and adjust connection parameters dynamically, allowing the device to respond to changing network conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface is segmented into multiple independent wireless connections that can operate simultaneously. Each connection type (local wireless, broader wireless network) functions as an independent segment that can be managed separately, allowing the system to optimize each connection independently while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular management.
3Reliability
If the system continuously scans for available networks, then connection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs network scanning periodically rather than continuously, balancing the need for reliable connection information with energy conservation. The multi-homed wireless interface scans for available networks at predetermined intervals and caches the results, allowing the device to maintain reliable connectivity knowledge without constant energy-intensive scanning.
4Reliability
If the system establishes multiple network connections simultaneously, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages multiple network connections without requiring manual user intervention. The multi-homed wireless interface autonomously establishes, maintains, and switches between multiple connections based on user preferences and network conditions, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while maintaining high reliability through diversified connectivity paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of locating a wireless connection among a plurality of possible wireless connections. More particularly, a system and method of locating a user preferred wireless connection among a plurality of possible wireless connections. The method includes scanning for available networks and determining whether the available networks satisfy one or more user preferences. The method further includes establishing a secondary network connection with one of the available networks based on one or more user preferences being satisfied.