Network Selection Using Signal Strength and Packet Loss Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face challenges in determining the quality of wireless connections with newly discovered access points without actively probing, leading to potential switching to low-quality networks, resulting in poor performance and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The method involves passively estimating the quality of wireless connections using received signal strength indicators, geographic location, and temporal information, generating profiles for access points, and using adaptive backoff techniques to reduce frequent switching between networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mobile computing devices actively probe access points to determine connection quality, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting signal strength indicators, location information, and temporal data before actually connecting to an access point. This preliminary data collection allows the device to estimate connection quality in advance, avoiding the need for energy-consuming active probing after connection is established.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary parameters (signal strength indicators, location data, temporal information) that mediate between the device and the access point. Instead of directly probing the access point for quality metrics, the device uses these intermediary measurements to infer connection quality, thereby reducing direct communication overhead and power consumption.
2Reliability
If mobile computing devices switch frequently between access points to maintain optimal connection quality, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessments of access point quality using collected data before switching occurs. By evaluating signal strength, location, and temporal factors in advance, the device can make informed switching decisions rather than reacting to poor connection quality, thereby reducing the frequency and complexity of switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the device monitors its own connection quality and the characteristics of available access points. This feedback loop enables the device to learn from past switching decisions and optimize future switches, reducing unnecessary complexity while maintaining reliable connections.
3Use of energy by moving object
If mobile computing devices use passive techniques to estimate packet loss rates, then use of energy is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple passive measurement parameters (signal strength indicators, location information, temporal data) to compensate for the lack of direct packet loss measurement. By combining these correlated parameters, the system achieves reasonable estimation accuracy without the energy cost of active probing, effectively trading measurement directness for energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for measurement from direct packet loss metrics (which require active probing) to correlated parameters such as signal strength and location data. These parameter substitutions allow passive estimation that consumes less energy while maintaining sufficient accuracy for network selection decisions.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes transmitting data over a first wireless connection by a computing device and with a first wireless access point; detecting a wireless signal from a second wireless access point; identifying, at the mobile computing device, a received signal strength of the wireless signal from the second wireless access point; determining, by the computing device and having transmitted less than a threshold number of data packets to the second wireless access point after detecting the wireless signal, an estimated level of data packet loss for the second wireless access point based on the signal strength for the second wireless access point; determining, based on the estimated level of data packet loss for the second wireless access point, to switch to a second wireless connection with the second wireless access point; and establishing the second wireless connection as a result of the determining.