Method and system for selecting an access point for a client device to establish or maintain a communication connection with a wireless network

US8989147B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Marvell International Ltd. · BM

Inventors

• Olaf Mater · Blankenloch, DE
• Joachim Schmalz · Bischweier, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 10, 2014
• Grant date: Mar 24, 2015
• Expiry date: Jan 10, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04W24/10
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A self learning roaming optimization approach allows a wireless client device to build signal strength maps that store wireless network access point signal strengths at locations along paths traveled by the wireless client device within an operational environment. The signal strengths collected at locations along a path may be analyzed to determine a recommended wireless network access point at the respective locations to achieve a reliable wireless network connection along the mapped path. The stored recommendations may take into account changes in wireless network access point signal strengths, e.g. due to obstructions and/or electromagnetic shields that may block portions of a wireless network access point signal at subsequent locations along the mapped path. A wireless client device may recognize the wireless client device's location along a previously mapped path based on the unique combination, or signature, of wireless network access point signal strengths measured at the wireless client device's location.