QoS-Based Network Association via Background Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular service providers face challenges such as high infrastructure costs, poor signal penetration in buildings, and unreliable wireless communication paths due to varying network quality, leading to dropped calls and limited communication options for users.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for quality of service based association with a new network using background network scanning, allowing wireless access devices to sniff radio frequency spectrum and switch between networks to maintain seamless communication, utilizing broadband access gateways to hand off calls and manage multimedia information across hybrid wired and wireless networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cellular service providers build infrastructure such as cellular towers, then network coverage and service capability are improved, but infrastructure cost and real estate acquisition cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wireless networks (cellular and non-cellular) into a unified communication system. The wireless access device can simultaneously access both cellular networks and non-cellular networks (such as WLAN, Bluetooth, or other wireless networks) through network merging functionality, thereby expanding coverage without requiring additional cellular infrastructure investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless access device is designed with multi-functionality to access multiple types of networks. It can switch between cellular networks and non-cellular networks based on availability and quality, making the device universal in terms of network access capability and reducing dependency on single-network infrastructure.
2Speed
If cellular signals are transmitted at frequencies between 800 MHz and 1900 MHz, then communication bandwidth is improved, but signal penetration and propagation in buildings deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different network types based on real-time signal quality and availability. When cellular signal penetration is poor (inside buildings), the device automatically transitions to non-cellular networks such as WLAN or Bluetooth that may provide better indoor coverage, thereby maintaining reliable communication despite frequency-related penetration limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-cellular networks serve as intermediary communication paths when cellular signals fail to penetrate buildings effectively. The device uses these alternative networks as mediators to maintain communication continuity, bridging the gap created by poor cellular signal penetration in indoor environments.
3Reliability
If the wireless access device switches between networks, then communication continuity is improved, but network switching complexity and detection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access device performs self-service network switching by automatically detecting available networks and selecting the most appropriate one based on pre-configured criteria. The device monitors signal quality, network availability, and user preferences, then autonomously switches between cellular and non-cellular networks without requiring complex manual configuration or external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the device continuously monitors network signal quality and performance metrics. Based on this feedback, the device automatically adjusts its network selection and switching decisions, maintaining communication continuity while simplifying the switching process through intelligent, feedback-driven automation.
4Measurement precision
If background network scanning is performed continuously, then network detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous scanning, the system performs periodic network scanning at predetermined intervals or triggered by specific events (such as when signal quality deteriorates or when moving to a new location). This periodic scanning approach maintains adequate network detection accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary network scanning and stores information about available non-cellular networks in advance. When cellular signal quality degrades, the device can quickly switch to previously identified networks without requiring intensive real-time scanning, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device support the use of background network scanning to enable association with a first and at least a second wireless network, for the exchange of exchange of multimedia information. Representative embodiments of the present invention may sniff radio frequency spectrum and determine at least one characteristic of detected wireless networks having capacity for exchange of the multimedia information. More than one wireless network may be identified for use in exchanging the multimedia information, which may be communicated concurrently over the identified wireless networks. User defined criteria may be employed in adjusting communication of the multimedia information to meet a quality of service level desired by a user. A lack of wireless network capacity may result in adjustments to, for example, protocols used to represent multimedia information, frame rate, and spatial or color resolution, in order to maintain or enable communication.