Portable Terminal WLAN Search Using Cell Information Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual mode portable terminals experience increased power consumption due to periodic WLAN module activation and search processes, which also require network state modifications to manage WLAN information, leading to unnecessary power usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a portable terminal that maps and stores cellular network and WLAN information, allowing for efficient WLAN searches by comparing stored cell information with current connection information to determine if a WLAN search is necessary, thereby reducing power consumption and avoiding network state disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the WLAN module is periodically driven and a search for an accessible WLAN is conducted, then the terminal can use services over the WLAN, but unnecessary power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing WLAN information (SSID, BSSID, frequency) in the terminal before actual WLAN search is needed. This allows the terminal to quickly determine whether WLAN search is necessary by comparing current cell information with stored information, avoiding periodic full WLAN scans and reducing power consumption while maintaining service availability
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal uses its own stored WLAN information and current cell information to autonomously decide whether to perform WLAN search, without requiring network side assistance or periodic network-triggered searches. This self-service mechanism reduces unnecessary searches and lowers power consumption
2Ease of operation
If WLAN information is added to a System Information Block (SIB) and broadcasted in a cellular network, then the portable terminal can search for a WLAN using the broadcasted WLAN information, but a network state modification is required to collect and manage WLAN information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts WLAN information management from the network side and moves it to the terminal side. Instead of requiring the network to collect, manage, and broadcast WLAN information through SIB modifications, the terminal autonomously stores and uses its own WLAN information, eliminating network state modifications while maintaining search efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces stored WLAN information as an intermediary between the terminal and the WLAN network. This intermediary information allows the terminal to make informed decisions about WLAN searches without requiring direct network communication or network state changes, simplifying both terminal operation and network configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus and method for searching for a WLAN in a portable terminal. The method includes, upon registering a WLAN, mapping and storing cell information on a present position and information on the registered WLAN; comparing the stored cell information with connected cell information when entering a mode concurrently supporting a cellular network and a WLAN in a state where a connection to the cellular network is made; and searching for a WLAN using the WLAN information mapped to the stored cell information, when the stored cell information is consistent with the connected cell information.