WLAN Access Point Network Attribute Transmission for Mobile Device Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of mobile communication devices face difficulties in selecting the best option between available WLAN access points and cellular networks for Internet access, as they lack information on service quality, leading to potentially worse connections.

Innovation Solution

WLAN access points determine and transmit network attributes such as bit rate, uptime, and login type to mobile devices, using standardized network identifiers or web pages, allowing devices to decide whether to connect to the WLAN or cellular network based on service quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users automatically connect to the first available WLAN access point without information about service quality, then connection establishment is simple and fast, but the connection quality may be worse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic connection simplicityVSAvoidconnection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the WLAN access point determine and transmit network attribute information (such as bit rate, uptime, and login type) to the mobile communication device before the user establishes a connection. This allows the user to make an informed decision about which access point to connect to, rather than automatically connecting to the first available one, thereby ensuring better connection quality while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple WLAN access points from different providers are available at the same location, then users have more connection options, but it becomes unclear which access point to select

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection optionsVSAvoidselection clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing network attribute information as a mediator between the multiple WLAN access points and the user's decision-making process. The access points transmit standardized information about their service quality (bit rate, uptime, login type) to the mobile device, enabling the user to clearly compare and select the most suitable access point among multiple options without confusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If WLAN access points transmit detailed network attribute information to mobile devices, then users can make informed decisions about network selection, but the complexity of information processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice quality information availabilityVSAvoidinformation processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by standardizing the network attribute information transmitted from WLAN access points to mobile devices. Instead of transmitting raw, complex data, the system transmits specific standardized parameters such as bit rate, uptime, and login type. This standardization reduces the complexity of information processing on the mobile device while ensuring that all necessary service quality information is available for informed network selection decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3944672B1Method and devices for optimized usage of hotspots
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP3944672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3944672B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

For enabling an improved and /or simplified selection between several available options for accessing a pre-defined communciation network, in particular the Internet, with a mobile communication device, wherein the available options in particular comprise access via at least one WLAN access point and/or a cellular network, the invention proposes a method for providing information relating to network attributes associated with a WLAN access point (200) to a mobile communication device (100), comprising the steps of: a) determining, by a WLAN access point (200), network attributes associated with the WLAN access point (200), wherein said WLAN access point (200) is located at a hotspot (400), b) generating, by the WLAN access point (200), network attribute information depending on the determined network attributes and c) transmitting, by the WLAN access point (200), said network attribute information to at least one mobile communication device (100) via a WLAN communication. The invention further proposes a WLAN device (200) and a mobile communication device (100), which are adapted to perform the method.