Method and apparatus for selecting an access point in a wireless network
US6522881B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W48/20
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for use in a wireless communications network searches for the best serving access point of a base station as a function of communication link quality and load levels, thereby allowing a subscriber terminal to react to changes in RF conditions and load levels. In one implementation, a wireless modem in a fixed wireless access network initiates an access point searching algorithm in response to a triggering condition, such as initially powering-up the subscriber terminal or degradation of communication link quality or load levels. After detecting beacons for a plurality of neighboring access points, the wireless modem selects the best access point as a function of communication link quality and relative load levels to maintain adequate service quality and to react to changes in load levels. After an initial selection, the wireless modem may continually monitor quality/load conditions to determine whether to select a new access point.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.