Network Broker Automatic Access Point Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable devices often select network access points manually without considering performance or cost, leading to inefficient data transfer due to lack of familiarity with available options, and the selection may change during a session due to location or transaction changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a communications terminal with multiple network interfaces that automatically selects the most suitable access channel based on received profile information, including access data and geographical location, to establish efficient data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual selection of network access points is used, then user control and simplicity are maintained, but data transfer efficiency and cost-effectiveness deteriorate due to lack of familiarity with available options
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic network access point selection where the terminal autonomously evaluates available access points based on stored profile information and automatically connects to the most suitable one without user intervention, resolving the contradiction between manual simplicity and automated efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the selection parameter from user-based familiarization to objective evaluation criteria stored in profiles (such as cost, performance characteristics, and access conditions), allowing automated selection that optimizes data transfer efficiency while maintaining ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If manual selection of network access points is used, then user familiarity requirements are reduced, but adaptability to changing locations and performance conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to changing locations and conditions by continuously monitoring available network access points and automatically selecting the most suitable one based on stored profile information, enabling the terminal to adapt to geographic movement and changing network conditions without requiring user familiarity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from detecting available network access points and their current conditions to automatically adjust connections, comparing real-time availability against stored profile information to maintain optimal adaptability to location changes and performance conditions
3Productivity
If automatic connection based on profile information is implemented, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to profile management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing profile information about multiple network access points including access conditions and performance characteristics before travel, enabling automatic selection during movement without requiring complex real-time decision-making or increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses stored profile information as an intermediary between the terminal and available network access points, allowing automatic efficient selection without directly complex interactions with each access point, thereby improving data transfer efficiency while managing complexity through pre-configured profiles
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network interfaces are used for automatic selection, then adaptability to different network conditions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by equipping the terminal with multiple network interfaces (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular) that can automatically select and switch between different network types based on availability and stored profile information, improving adaptability to different network conditions while managing complexity through unified automatic selection logic
Data Source
AI summary
A processing terminal, for example a PDA or laptop, includes one or more application-layer programs and a network broker. The network broker exposes currently-available network resources, such as network access points in-range of the terminal, to the applications layer. The network broker is also arranged to automatically establish network connections via the or each network access point and to acquire operating parameters indicative of the status and/or performance of the connections. The available bandwidth of a connection is one example of an operating parameter. Data subsequently sent to, or transmitted from, the application-layer programs is communicated over a selected one or more of the established connections in accordance with predefined connection rules indicating which connection is/are to be selected in dependence on the operating parameters. Access credentials for enabling the terminal automatically to access a network via a different access point can also be provided using an existing connection.