UE Mobility Set Prioritization for Integrated WLAN-WWAN Networks

The patent inverts the traditional connection priority by having UEs prioritize integrated WLAN-WWAN networks over legacy WLANs. The UE determines whether a WLAN is an integrated network using configuration information (such as specific SSID patterns, BSSID formats, or network identifier structures) and preferentially selects integrated networks for connection, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining ease of operation through automated priority management.

The patent implements preliminary action by having UEs proactively identify and prioritize integrated WLAN-WWAN networks before attempting connection. The UE uses pre-configured criteria (such as specific SSID prefixes, BSSID patterns, or network identifier structures) to determine whether a WLAN is an integrated network, ensuring that UEs connect to networks capable of providing dedicated mobility sets, thereby maintaining both automatic connection ease and connectivity reliability.

The patent uses identifiable markers or indicators in the WLAN broadcast information that allow UEs to easily distinguish integrated WLAN-WWAN networks from legacy WLANs. These markers could be specific SSID patterns, BSSID formats, or network identifier structures that serve as visual 'color codes' for UE detection, simplifying the complexity by providing clear, recognizable indicators without requiring complex analysis of network capabilities.

The patent implements preliminary action by having network operators pre-configure integrated WLANs with dedicated mobility sets before UEs attempt connection. The mobility sets are prepared in advance and made available through the WLAN connection establishment process, allowing UEs to acquire connectivity information without delay while ensuring connection reliability through pre-validation of network capability.