PRE-EMPTIVE ACCESS NETWORK SWITCHING

摘要

An access network connection controller is disclosed for ordering a mobile terminal to switch from a connection to a first access network to a connection to a second access network in order to ensure that a good connection to the mobile terminal is maintained when the mobile terminal enters an area in which connection to the first access network may be restricted and the second access network may be beneficial. The access network connection controller is operable to receive movement information representative of the movement of the mobile terminal connected to a first access network; to determine from the movement information whether the mobile terminal is approaching a restricted area wherein connection to a second access network may be beneficial and to generate a command ordering the switching of the connection mobile terminal from the first access network to the second access network before the mobile terminal enters the restricted area. By ordering a mobile terminal to switch its connection to another access network in advance of the mobile terminal entering an area in which connection to the mobile terminal from its current access network may be restricted, good connection to the mobile terminal is ensured at all times and the user of the mobile terminal does not experience any degradation in performance.