Method and system for selecting a wireless network
First Claim
1. A method, comprising:
- receiving data associated with a plurality of detections of a wireless network access point in proximity to a wireless user terminal;
periodically collecting location information about the wireless user terminal over a period of time;
determining at least one of a time-related pattern or a data consumption pattern associated with the plurality of detections using the location information;
determining a type of wireless network based on the determined pattern; and
outputting, based on the determined type of wireless network and a given location of the wireless user terminal, data presenting the wireless network access point as a candidate wireless network for connection.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for selecting alternative wireless networks to establish a connection to, based on pattern information concerning determined relationships between the wireless user and the wireless network location. By monitoring location information and available wireless networks with range of a wireless user terminal, patterns of frequent and recurring locations and available wireless access points can be used to identify the wireless access points for alternative wireless networks that provide the best opportunity for offloading. Because people tend to be creatures of habit and frequently return to certain locations during their daily lives, such as their home and their place of employ, as well as the homes of relatives and friends and other favorite places like restaurants, coffee shops, shopping and sporting venues. Assumptions can be derived by monitoring available wireless networks to identify those wireless networks that provide a beneficial opportunity to offload primary (e.g., cellular) network services onto other local networks.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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receiving data associated with a plurality of detections of a wireless network access point in proximity to a wireless user terminal; periodically collecting location information about the wireless user terminal over a period of time; determining at least one of a time-related pattern or a data consumption pattern associated with the plurality of detections using the location information; determining a type of wireless network based on the determined pattern; and outputting, based on the determined type of wireless network and a given location of the wireless user terminal, data presenting the wireless network access point as a candidate wireless network for connection. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A server comprising:
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at least one processor; and at least one memory device including instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to; receive data associated with a plurality of detections of a wireless network access point in proximity to a wireless user terminal; periodically collect location information about the wireless user terminal over a period of time; determine at least one of a time-related pattern or a data consumption pattern associated with the plurality of detections using the location information; determine a type of wireless network based on the determined pattern; and output, based on the determined type of wireless network and a given location of the wireless user terminal, data presenting the wireless network access point as a candidate wireless network for connection. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A wireless user terminal, comprising:
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at least one processor; and at least one memory device including instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to; detect a wireless network access point a plurality of times; output data associated with the plurality of detections and a given location of the wireless user terminal to a server; and receive data presenting the wireless network access point as a candidate wireless network for connection based on at least one of a time-related pattern or a data consumption pattern associated with the plurality of detections; wherein the at least one of the time-related pattern or the data consumption pattern is determined based on location information about the wireless user terminal that was periodically collected over a period of time. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification