TVWS Connectivity Discovery via WLAN Database Query
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless terminals face challenges in efficiently determining the availability and connectivity information of television white space (TVWS) access networks when moving between locations, leading to unnecessary battery consumption and resource usage in attempting connections that may not be available or possible.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a TVWS database to retrieve network connectivity information before attempting a connection, allowing wireless terminals to query the database via a non-TVWS access network, such as a WLAN, to determine available TVWS access networks and their connectivity requirements, using protocols like Access Network Query Protocol (ANQP) and Generic Advertisement Service (GAS) for message exchange, and employing authentication and authorization mechanisms as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wireless terminals attempt to connect to TVWS access networks without prior discovery, then connection speed may be improved, but battery consumption increases and connection failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary discovery actions by having wireless terminals query a database through WLAN access points to obtain TVWS network availability and connectivity information before attempting direct TVWS connections. This preliminary information gathering prevents wasted battery power on unsuccessful connection attempts while maintaining fast connection speeds for available networks.
2Measurement precision
If wireless terminals query database through WLAN access network, then connection information accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses WLAN access points as intermediaries to facilitate database queries from wireless terminals. The access points relay authentication and information requests between terminals and the database server, enabling accurate TVWS connectivity information retrieval without requiring complex client-side implementation in the wireless terminals themselves.
3Reliability
If wireless terminals use authentication mechanisms for database access, then network security is improved, but connection establishment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication by having wireless terminals authenticate with WLAN access points before querying the TVWS database. This preliminary security step ensures that only authorized devices can access network information, maintaining security while minimizing time loss by completing authentication before the actual TVWS connection attempt.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus to discover network capabilities for connecting to an access network are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves sending a request to a first access network of a first network type. The request is addressed to a database and requests network connectivity information for connecting to a second access network of a second network type different from the first network type. The example method also involves receiving a response from the first access network. The response includes the network connectivity information for connecting to the second access network.