WiFi Device AP Selection via Throughput Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices often fail to maintain acceptable throughput in WiFi networks due to poor connection with existing Access Points (APs), even when better APs are available, leading to service delays.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communications device and method that store signal strengths and throughputs of connected APs, periodically update these values, and scan for nearby APs when a low-throughput condition is detected, switching to an AP with higher estimated throughput to maintain optimal connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile device switches AP only when connection is lost, then the device maintains stable connection, but the throughput becomes poor and service delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively scanning for available APs and evaluating their signal strengths and throughputs before the current connection is lost. The device maintains a database of AP information and pre-assesses alternative networks, enabling seamless switching to high-throughput APs before connection degradation occurs, thus resolving the contradiction between connection stability and throughput performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms by monitoring signal strength, throughput, and connection quality of the current AP. Based on this feedback, the device dynamically decides whether to switch APs, ensuring both stable connection and high throughput by responding to real-time network conditions
2Productivity
If the mobile device continuously scans for available APs, then the device can find better APs with higher throughput, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic scanning instead of continuous scanning, where the device scans for available APs at predetermined intervals or when specific conditions are met (e.g., when current throughput falls below a threshold). This periodic approach maintains the ability to discover better APs while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary assessments of AP quality using stored database information and current signal strength measurements, only initiating full scans when promising alternatives are detected. This selective preliminary action reduces unnecessary scanning operations and conserves battery power while still enabling throughput optimization
3Ease of operation
If the mobile device stays with the same AP regardless of throughput, then the device maintains simple operation, but service delays occur due to poor throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically monitoring network conditions, evaluating alternative APs, and performing switches without user intervention. The device autonomously manages AP selection based on throughput requirements, maintaining operational simplicity while eliminating service delays through intelligent automatic switching
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communications device is provided with a storage unit and a processor. The storage unit is configured to store signal strengths and throughputs of a plurality of Access Points (APs) which the wireless communications device was previously or is currently connected to. The processor is configured to update the stored signal strength and throughput of the currently connected AP, and scan for available APs nearby in response to detecting a low-throughput condition of the currently connected AP.