Selecting a Radio Access Network Cell

摘要

A method and apparatus for selecting a radio access network cell for connecting to a communications network. A client device that is connected to a Wi-Fi access network cell sends a request message to a node in the Wi-Fi access network cell. It receives a response from the node that includes information identifying at least one overlapping radio access network cell and a property of the overlapping radio access network cell. On the basis of a comparison between the property of the radio access network cell and a corresponding property of the Wi-Fi access network cell, the node determines whether to remain connected to the Wi-Fi access network cell or to move to the radio access network cell. This has the advantage that a client device that is already associated with a Wi-Fi AP can determine if another access network cell could provide it with a better service, for example if the conditions of the AP change dynamically.

主权项

1. A method of selecting a radio access network cell for connecting to a communications network, the method comprising, at a client device connected to a Wi-Fi access network cell,
sending a request message to a node in the Wi-Fi access network cell; receiving a response from the node, the response including information identifying at least one overlapping radio access network cell and a property of the overlapping radio access network cell; and on the basis of a comparison between the property of the radio access network cell and a corresponding property of the Wi-Fi access network cell, determining whether to remain connected to the Wi-Fi access network cell or to move to the radio access network cell.