Wireless Terminal Simultaneous WLAN WiMAX Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless terminals face challenges in seamlessly switching between WLAN and WiMAX networks due to differences in medium access control protocols, leading to resource conflicts and inefficient handover processes, which affect quality of service and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A wireless terminal that establishes a connection with both WLAN and WiMAX networks using a method involving time frame management, signal messaging, and baseband processing to coordinate transmission and reception, allowing simultaneous operation and smooth handovers between the two networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless terminal operates simultaneously on both WLAN and WiMAX networks, then network coverage and connectivity options are improved, but resource conflicts and protocol differences cause quality of service degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation of the wireless terminal by dividing time into different frames, allocating specific frames for WLAN operation and other frames for WiMAX operation. This temporal segmentation allows the terminal to maintain connections to both networks while avoiding resource conflicts, as each network is accessed during dedicated time periods rather than simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic frame allocation where the base station can adjust which frames are allocated to the mobile station for WiMAX operation and which frames are available for WLAN operation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying network conditions, traffic patterns, and quality of service requirements, optimizing performance for both networks.
2Ease of operation
If the wireless terminal continuously monitors both WLAN and WiMAX networks for handover opportunities, then network switching flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of network conditions rather than continuous monitoring. The terminal monitors WLAN and WiMAX networks during specific allocated frames, allowing handover opportunities to be detected at regular intervals. This periodic action maintains handover flexibility while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as the terminal can enter lower-power states between monitoring periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communication includes establishing a first connection between a wireless terminal and a base station of a long-range wireless data network, which operates in accordance with a first protocol that defines a sequence of time frames for transmission of data between the wireless terminal and the base station. A signal is sent from the wireless terminal to the base station identifying an interval including one or more of the time frames during which the wireless terminal will not receive data from the base station. During the interval, a second connection is established between the wireless terminal and an access point of a wireless local area network (WLAN) in accordance with a second protocol, different from the first protocol.