Wireless Network Steering Based on Quality Assessments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
User devices face challenges in transitioning between wireless network connections due to varying network quality, particularly when switching from licensed spectrum networks to unlicensed spectrum networks like Wi-Fi, which may not meet the user's activity needs without a systematic quality assessment.
Innovation Solution
A system that classifies user network activity to derive specific connectivity parameters for VoIP, data streaming, and web page downloads, periodically assesses available unlicensed spectrum networks, and uses analytics to transition between licensed and unlicensed spectrum networks based on quality assessments, ensuring seamless connectivity by prioritizing Wi-Fi networks that meet the user's requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a user device transitions to an unlicensed spectrum Wi-Fi network to reduce costs, then network usage cost is reduced, but network connection quality may deteriorate and fail to meet user activity needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary quality assessments of available Wi-Fi networks before transition, collecting analytics data and evaluating network conditions in advance. This allows the device to predict whether a Wi-Fi network will meet quality requirements before actually switching, preventing poor-quality transitions while still enabling cost-effective connectivity when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network quality metrics and user activity requirements, using this feedback to dynamically adjust transition decisions. By comparing actual network performance against quality thresholds and updating assessment models based on observed outcomes, the system learns to make more accurate transition decisions that balance cost savings with quality requirements.
2Reliability
If the system performs comprehensive quality assessments before network transitions, then network connection quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quality assessment process is divided into distinct segments: collecting network analytics data, classifying user activities, evaluating network suitability, and executing transitions. Each segment handles a specific aspect of the assessment, allowing the complex overall process to be managed through modular, independent components that can be developed and maintained separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary assessment layer between the user device and network selection. This intermediary component analyzes network conditions, applies quality criteria, and makes informed transition recommendations, simplifying the decision-making process while maintaining comprehensive quality evaluation without requiring complex integration throughout the entire system.
3Reliability
If the system frequently assesses available Wi-Fi networks, then network connection quality is maintained, but loss of time increases due to periodic assessments
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic assessment intervals rather than continuous monitoring, evaluating Wi-Fi network availability and quality at scheduled intervals. This approach maintains network quality by regularly checking conditions while avoiding the time waste of constant assessment, allowing the system to balance quality maintenance with efficient use of assessment resources based on network conditions and user needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium has instructions executed by a processor to access a list of Wi-Fi networks available to a user device. User network activity is classified. It is determined that there is a new Wi-Fi network for the user device to initiate a connection attempt. In the event of an existing licensed spectrum wireless network data connection on the user device, licensed spectrum wireless network data connection analytics are collected and an attempt is made to transition to the new Wi-Fi network to produce either a failed transition to the new Wi-Fi network or a successful transition to the new Wi-Fi network. In the event of an existing Wi-Fi network collection on the user device or a successful transition to the new Wi-Fi network, available Wi-Fi networks are periodically assessed to establish one of a network unavailable state and a network available state.