Slice-Aware Network Switching Between Wi-Fi and Cellular

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network switching strategies in smart terminal devices fail to consider network slicing conditions, leading to suboptimal user experience when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks, especially in environments where Wi-Fi signal strength and speed are inferior to cellular networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for network switching that monitors current network slice information and switches the default network to a data network corresponding to a preset network slice when a change in network slice information is detected, enhancing network connection by prioritizing data networks in specific environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the terminal device switches to Wi-Fi network based on default strategy, then the network switching is simple and fast, but the network connection quality and speed deteriorate in environments where Wi-Fi signal is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork switching simplicityVSAvoidnetwork connection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the network switching decision parameters from simple signal strength checks to comprehensive network slice information evaluation. The terminal device monitors network slice information, network type, and service requirements to dynamically adjust switching decisions, thereby improving connection quality while maintaining reasonable switching complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic network switching strategies that adapt to changing network conditions. The terminal device continuously monitors network slice information and adjusts switching behavior in real-time based on current network environment, service requirements, and slice availability, transforming static default switching to dynamic condition-based switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the terminal device always prioritizes Wi-Fi network, then the network switching strategy is simple to implement, but the user experience deteriorates when cellular network provides better service quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching strategy complexityVSAvoidnetwork transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces network slice information as a key parameter in switching decisions. Instead of always prioritizing Wi-Fi, the terminal evaluates network slice characteristics, service requirements, and current network conditions to determine the optimal network, thereby improving transmission speed while maintaining manageable complexity through structured decision criteria

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network switching decision into multiple evaluation dimensions: network slice information, network type, service requirements, and signal quality. This segmentation allows the system to consider multiple factors without creating excessive complexity, as each dimension can be evaluated independently and combined through weighted decision logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the terminal device monitors network slice information and switches to data network accordingly, then the network connection quality improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connection qualityVSAvoidmonitoring and switching mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing multi-functional capabilities of the terminal device: the same monitoring mechanisms used for general network status detection are extended to monitor network slice information, and the existing network switching framework is enhanced to incorporate slice-based decision logic. This universal approach improves connection quality without requiring entirely new separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary monitoring and evaluation of network slice information before actual network switching occurs. The terminal device continuously gathers and analyzes network slice data in advance, preparing switching decisions based on predicted optimal networks, which reduces the complexity of real-time switching while maintaining high connection quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12550007B2Network switching method and apparatus, and terminal device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 ZTE CORP
  • US12550007B2 patent drawing
  • US12550007B2 patent drawing
  • US12550007B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A network switching method and apparatus, and a terminal device and a storage medium are disclosed. The method may include: monitoring current network slice information of a terminal device; and switching a current default network of the terminal device from another network to a data network corresponding to a preset network slice, in response to a change of the network slice information to network slice information corresponding to the preset network slice.