Wireless Network Connection Policy Manager
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users often experience frustration due to their mobile devices connecting to unintended wireless networks, leading to service level and access service discrepancies, as the selection process is typically automatic and lacks user input, resulting in unexpected policies being applied.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow a device to automatically connect to a private network over a public one, using a profile to determine the appropriate network and policy, ensuring a consistent user experience regardless of the actual connected network, by employing a smart device policy manager and gateway device to manage network connections and policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the mobile device automatically selects a network from stored connection information, then the connection process is simplified and automated, but the user is unaware of which network is connected and may receive unexpected service policies
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user by displaying information about the currently connected network, including network identity and applicable service policies. This allows the user to understand what network they are connected to and what services they will receive, resolving the information loss caused by automatic selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring service policies and network preferences before connection occurs. The device stores connection information and service policies in advance, and can predict which network to connect to based on historical data and user preferences, reducing the need for user intervention during actual connection.
2Reliability
If the mobile device connects to the last known network or any available network, then connection availability is maintained, but the service level and access policies may not match user expectations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts network selection based on current conditions, user preferences, and service policy requirements. Rather than statically connecting to the last known network, the device evaluates multiple factors including network quality, user-defined preferences, and service level requirements to adaptively select the most appropriate network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes connection parameters by applying different service policies based on the selected network. The service policy manager modifies network parameters and service levels to ensure they match user expectations and preferences, allowing the same device to connect to different networks with appropriately adjusted service levels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device stores connection information for multiple networks, then connection options are increased, but the device may connect to an unintended network with incorrect policies
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network connections by associating each network with specific service policies and user preferences. Rather than treating all networks equally, the device divides networks into categories based on their service levels and policy requirements, allowing precise control over which network connects to which service profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The service policy manager acts as an intermediary between the network selection process and the actual connection. It mediates by evaluating connection requests against stored preferences and policies, ensuring that the selected network matches user expectations before allowing connection, thus improving connection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for connecting to a wireless network. In an aspect, when a wireless device is brought to an area in which two wireless networks are accessible, for example a public network and a private network, the device can reject a connection to the public network and connect to the private network based on an association between the device and the user.