UMA Network Access Prioritization via Connectivity History
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Solution Overview
Problem
UMA network connections over WLAN networks face issues such as DNS failures, VPN timeouts, and packet losses, leading to inconsistent performance and reduced successful handovers due to varying RF environments, necessitating improved methods for prioritizing Wi-Fi networks for better connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves prioritizing Wi-Fi networks based on signal strength and past UMA experience, such as connection time and handover success rates, to select the most suitable network for UMA access, overriding traditional user-defined priorities and focusing on networks with favorable past connectivity data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mobile station scans for all Wi-Fi networks with stored profiles and connects in order of user priority, then user-defined network preference is maintained, but network access reliability deteriorates due to inconsistent UMA connectivity quality across different Wi-Fi networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from static user-defined priority to dynamic UMA connectivity quality metrics. The mobile station evaluates past UMA connection success rates, handover performance, and signal strength to dynamically determine which Wi-Fi network to connect to, overriding user-defined priorities when UMA quality differs significantly between networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile station monitors past UMA connectivity performance on each Wi-Fi network and uses this historical data to inform future network selection decisions. The system continuously learns from connection outcomes and adjusts its selection criteria based on accumulated performance data
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mobile station connects to Wi-Fi networks with strong signal strength, then connection stability improves, but UMA connectivity quality may deteriorate due to DNS failures, VPN timeouts, and packet losses in certain RF environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the selection criterion from physical signal strength (RSSI) to network-layer UMA connectivity quality metrics. Instead of choosing networks based on RF signal strength alone, the system evaluates actual UMA protocol performance including DNS resolution success, VPN connection stability, and packet delivery reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of UMA connectivity quality before establishing connections. By assessing past UMA performance data and predicting future connectivity quality, the system pre-selects networks likely to provide reliable UMA access, preventing connection attempts to networks prone to DNS failures or VPN timeouts
3Productivity
If the mobile station attempts to connect to multiple Wi-Fi networks simultaneously, then network access speed improves, but resource consumption increases due to repeated connection attempts and scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary ranking of Wi-Fi networks based on stored UMA connectivity quality data before initiating connection attempts. This pre-sorting allows the mobile station to systematically attempt connections in order of predicted success, reducing the number of failed connection attempts and associated energy consumption while maintaining fast access to the most reliable networks
Data Source
AI summary
A method for network access and a mobile station configured for the same is described. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for network access on a mobile station comprising: scanning for Wi-Fi networks; receiving responses from available wireless access points (APs) of the Wi-Fi networks; selecting a Wi-Fi network in accordance with past connectivity data associated with the Wi-Fi networks of the available APs; and attempting to connect to the selected Wi-Fi network.