Network Interface Selection for Multi-Mode Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-mode wireless communication devices face challenges in optimizing internet access for applications due to varying network protocols and conditions, such as bandwidth, cost, and power consumption, which existing technologies fail to address effectively on a packet-by-packet basis.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that receive data packets and apply rules based on network type, device state, and application requirements to select the appropriate communication interface for transmission, using a routing table that considers factors like bandwidth, delay, power consumption, cost, and battery life, to optimize packet transmission across WLAN, WMAN, and WWAN networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-mode device uses multiple wireless networks (WLAN, WMAN, WWAN) for communication, then the adaptability and versatility of the device improve, but the device complexity increases due to managing multiple communication interfaces and protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (network selector/routing mechanism) that mediates between applications and multiple network interfaces. This intermediary evaluates packet characteristics, network conditions, and device state to automatically select the appropriate network, thereby managing complexity while maintaining multi-network adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network selection process into distinct functional components: packet analysis, rule evaluation, network selection, and routing. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of network management independently, reducing overall system complexity while preserving versatility
2Productivity
If the device optimizes packet transmission by evaluating multiple factors (bandwidth, cost, power consumption, delay), then the communication efficiency improves, but the processing time and computational resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing routing rules and network preferences before actual packet transmission. The system pre-evaluates network conditions and configures routing tables in advance, so that during packet transmission, the selection process can quickly reference pre-computed decisions rather than evaluating all factors in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes parameters such as network priority weights and routing rules based on device state (battery level, network availability). By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes transmission efficiency without requiring complete re-evaluation of all factors for each packet, thus reducing processing time while maintaining efficiency
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device dynamically selects networks based on real-time conditions (battery life, cost, bandwidth), then the resource management improves, but the complexity of monitoring and responding to changing conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor device state (battery level, network conditions) and feed this information back to the network selection logic. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of routing decisions based on current conditions, optimizing power consumption while managing complexity through structured feedback processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own state and making autonomous network selection decisions without requiring manual intervention. The device self-adjusts routing based on its own resource levels and network conditions, reducing the complexity burden on the user while maintaining optimization
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for controlling network access that includes receiving, at a network layer of a protocol stack of a mobile computing device comprising two or more communications interfaces, one or more data packets from an application executing on the mobile computing device, wherein the two or more communication interfaces comprise a cellular communication interface and a wireless network interface; identifying, at the network layer upon receiving the data packet, one or more rules that specify at least one of a plurality of networks to utilize to transmit the data packet, based on the one or more rules, selecting, in the network layer, a communication interface from the two or more communications interfaces associated with the at least one of the plurality of networks for transmitting the one or more data packets.