Wireless Device Network Selection Using Weighted Criteria
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices lack intelligence in selecting between different network types such as cellular networks and WLANs, often resulting in security and access issues, as well as inefficient use of resources due to the lack of customizable criteria for network selection.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a wireless device to automatically select a network based on user-defined weighted criteria settings, such as security, access, speed, and cost, allowing users to prioritize preferences like avoiding content filters or minimizing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a wireless device uses public WiFi for connectivity, then speed and cost are improved, but security deteriorates due to susceptibility to hacking and eavesdropping
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes network selection parameters based on user-defined criteria weights. Users can adjust the importance of security, speed, cost, and access parameters, and the system recalculates network suitability scores accordingly. This allows the device to adapt between public WiFi (higher speed, lower security weight) and cellular networks (lower speed, higher security weight) based on real-time user preferences.
2Reliability
If a wireless device uses cellular network for connectivity, then security is improved, but speed and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to dynamically adjust the weight of security parameter versus speed parameter. When security is prioritized, the system selects cellular networks despite lower speed. When speed is prioritized and security concerns are minimized, the system selects public WiFi. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by making security-speed tradeoffs user-controllable rather than fixed.
3Reliability
If a wireless device uses corporate WiFi for security, then security is improved, but access deteriorates due to content filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an 'access' parameter that users can weight against security. When users prioritize unrestricted access, the system selects public WiFi networks despite lower security, as corporate networks with content filtering score lower on the composite suitability metric. When security is weighted higher, corporate WiFi becomes preferable. This resolves the security-access contradiction through user-defined parameter weighting.
4Reliability
If a wireless device manually switches networks for security or access issues, then security or access is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated network selection that performs what would otherwise require manual user intervention. The device automatically evaluates available networks against user-defined criteria, calculates suitability scores, and switches networks without user input. This resolves the contradiction by making the system self-managing while maintaining security and access requirements through the automated evaluation process.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless device forces all communications through cellular network when WiFi is blocked, then access is improved, but cost and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a composite scoring model that balances access, cost, speed, and security parameters. When public WiFi is blocked, the system automatically adjusts the evaluation and selects cellular networks. When public WiFi is available and accessible, the system preferentially selects it despite higher security risks, because the composite score favors cost and speed. This resolves the access-cost contradiction by providing automated, criteria-based network selection rather than forcing cellular usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for a wireless device to select a network. The wireless device receives a request from a user to access a network site. The wireless device then selects a network based upon a predefined weighted criteria setting that was previously selected by the user.