Network Selection by Upload and Download Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern computing devices face challenges in selecting the most suitable network connection for data communications due to varying service levels across different networks, which change based on user usage, hardware changes, and location, making it difficult to determine the precise service offered by each network, especially for mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A networked device identifies available networks and selects a connection based on network connection attributes such as upload and download speeds, power consumption, and location, weighing these attributes depending on the direction of data transfer to optimize performance and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mobile device connects to available networks based on traditional criteria (such as signal strength), then connection availability is maintained, but data transfer performance and efficiency deteriorate due to not selecting the most suitable network for the specific data transfer direction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of each available network by measuring upload and download performance metrics before data transfer begins. This preliminary action allows the device to select the most suitable network for the specific data transfer direction (upload or download) rather than relying on traditional signal strength metrics, thereby improving data transfer performance while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring network performance characteristics and using this information to make intelligent network selection decisions. The device measures actual upload and download speeds on each network and uses this feedback to select the optimal network for the current data transfer direction, resolving the contradiction between performance optimization and operational simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the device tests and characterizes each available network to determine precise service levels, then network selection accuracy improves, but time and computational resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by performing only the essential network characterization measurements needed for making an informed selection decision. Rather than exhaustively testing all possible network parameters, the device focuses on measuring upload and download performance metrics that are most relevant to data transfer operations, achieving sufficient measurement precision while minimizing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs network characterization as a preliminary action that occurs once when networks become available, rather than continuously during operation. By measuring network performance metrics in advance and caching this information, the device achieves accurate network service level knowledge without incurring ongoing time costs, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
3Speed
If the device selects networks based on signal strength, then connection stability is maintained, but data transfer speed and efficiency worsen due to ignoring upload/download performance differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system fundamentally changes the selection parameters from traditional signal strength metrics to actual performance metrics (upload speed and download speed). By measuring and selecting networks based on these performance parameters rather than signal strength, the device achieves faster data transfer speeds while maintaining connection stability, as the performance-based selection ensures reliable networks are chosen for each data transfer direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by recognizing that different networks have different strengths for different data transfer directions. Rather than treating all networks uniformly based on signal strength, the device characterizes each network's specific upload and download capabilities and selects the network with the appropriate quality characteristics for the current data transfer direction, thereby optimizing both speed and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Selecting a network connection for data communications with a networked device, including: identifying a plurality of networks available for data communications with the networked device, each network having network connection attributes; and selecting one of the plurality of networks in dependence upon the network connection attributes and the direction of data transfer.