as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2004/0133668 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Jul. 8, 2004
`
`Nicholas, II
`
`US 20040133668A1
`
`(54)
`
`SEAMLESSLY NETWORKED END USER
`DEVICE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Henry T. Nicholas TIT, Aliso Viejo, CA
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`STERNE, KESSLER, GOLDSTEIN & FOX
`PLLC
`1100 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
`WASHINGTON,DC 20005 (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`10/660,740
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 12, 2003
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 60/409,959,filed on Sep.
`12, 2002.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(SL) Ute C07 caccccssssessesssssssssetnntnnsvesvee GO6F 15/173
`(52) US. Ch.
`cecescsssssssscnsssssnssnsensssen 709/223; 709/224
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An end user device is provided that supports a connection to
`a plurality of data communication networks. The end user
`device detects which data communication networks are
`
`available, and selectively determines which of the plurality
`of data communication networks provides the most optimal
`communication channel. The end user device also provides
`for seamless transitions between different data communica-
`
`tion networks, thus permitting all network communication
`tasks to be performed in a seamless, uninterrupted manner
`regardless of the location of the device, the type of network
`connection being used, or the form of data communication
`being carried out. The end user device further provides for
`simultaneous communication over a plurality of data com-
`munication networks utilizing a single network identity.
`
`304
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`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 1
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 1 of 3
`
`US 2004/0133668 A1
`
`
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`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 2
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`
`
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`SIqOWaIyYMSWeOsONS 1.02
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 2 of 3
`
`US 2004/0133668 A1
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`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 3
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 3
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 2004/0133668 A1
`
`JS300
`
`302
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`Infrastructure
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`318
`
`324n
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 4
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 4
`
`

`

`US 2004/0133668 Al
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`SEAMLESSLY NETWORKED END USER DEVICE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi-
`sional Application No. 60/409,959, filed Sep. 12, 2002.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002]
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0003] The present invention is generally related to data
`communication networks. More specifically,
`the present
`invention is related to end user devices that are capable of
`interfacing with more than one data communication net-
`work.
`
`[0004]
`
`2. Background
`
`[0005] A variety of data communication networks and
`protocols exist for transmitting data to and from an end user
`device. For example, conventional notebook or tablet per-
`sonal computers (PCs) may communicate with a local area
`network (LAN) via a wired Ethernet connection or a wire-
`less 802.11x connection, or may communicate with a wide
`area network (WAN) via a V.90 connection or a wireless
`General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) connection. Such
`devices may also connect to one or more communication
`peripherals, such as to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
`phone via a wired network with Ethernet switch, or to a
`headset or GPRSphonevia a wireless Bluetooth™ connec-
`tion.
`
`[0006] Depending on wherethe end useris located and the
`type of network application being used, each of these
`connection types may provide distinct advantages or disad-
`vantages. For example,
`if the end user is in a primary
`stationary location, such as the office, and the end user
`device is docked, then a wired Ethernet connection may
`provide the most efficient data communication. However,if
`the end user is in a mobile mode, then a wireless connection
`may be necessary.
`
`In conventional devices,transitioning between one
`[0007]
`type of network connection to another typically requires user
`intervention to terminate one network connectionto initiate
`
`another. This makestransitioning from a mobile mode to a
`stationary mode or vice versa more difficult for the user.
`Furthermore, in conventional mobile computing devices, the
`cessation of a network connection (either through user
`action such as undockingthestation, through a loss of power
`such as expired battery or disconnect from powersource, or
`loss of signal in a wireless environment) can result in lost
`data and require the user to reinitiate the network connec-
`tion.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`the number of
`associated with each available network,
`anticipated “hops” between the end user device and the
`remote network entity to which it needs to communicate, the
`cost associated with establishing and maintaining a network
`link, the best path, and/or anticipated power consumption.
`
`[0009] An end user device in accordance with embodi-
`ments of the present invention also provides for seamless
`transitions between different data communication networks,
`thus permitting all network communication tasks to be
`performed in a seamless, uninterrupted mannerregardless of
`the location of the device, the type of network connection
`being used, or the form of data communication being carried
`out.
`
`[0010] An end user device in accordance with embodi-
`ments of the present invention further provides for simul-
`taneous communication over a plurality of data communi-
`cation networks, thereby enabling enhanced error control
`capabilities, delivery of different data types (e.g., video,
`voice, and computer data) over separate channels to enhance
`efficiency and/or quality of data communication, increased
`communication speed through transmission of a data request
`over multiple data communication networks and acceptance
`of the fastest response,
`improved reliability through the
`automatic migration to a new data communication network
`when a first network connection fails, packet verification,
`guaranteed on-time packet delivery for applications that
`require a minimal Quality of Service (QOS),
`improved
`interactivity with a user base, and/or the ability to report
`problems occurring on a first data communication network
`over a second data communication network.
`
`(0011] An end user device in accordance with an embodi-
`ment of the present invention also supports “in session”
`hand-offs between access points in a wireless data commu-
`nication network.
`
`[0012] An end user device in accordance with an embodi-
`ment of the present invention additionally utilizes a single
`network identity, such as a single log-in, Internet Protocol
`(IP) address, or telephone number, to simultaneously access
`a plurality of data communication networks.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE
`DRAWINGS/FIGURES
`
`[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorpo-
`rated herein and form a partof the specification,illustrate the
`present invention and, together with the description, further
`serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable
`a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the
`invention.
`
`[0014] FIG. 1 is a high-level diagram of an end user
`device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`[0008] An end user device in accordance with embodi-
`ments of the present invention supports a connection to a
`plurality of data communication networks. The end user
`device detects which data communication networks are
`available, and selectively determines which of the plurality
`of data communication networks provides the most optimal
`communication channel. Whether a communication channel
`is optimal may be based on the type of data to be commu-
`nicated (e.g., voice, video or computer data), the error rate
`
`FIG.2 illustrates functions of an end user device in
`[0015]
`accordance with embodiments of the present invention dur-
`ing stationary and mobile modes of operation.
`
`[0016] FIG. 3 depicts an example end user device in
`accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.
`
`[0017] The present invention will now be described with
`reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,
`like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 5
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 5
`
`

`

`US 2004/0133668 Al
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a
`reference numberidentifies the drawing in which therefer-
`ence numberfirst appears.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`I. Overview
`
`[0018] An end user device in accordance with an embodi-
`ment of the present invention provides a new and simpler
`user experience in mobile computing.
`In particular,
`the
`device enables new levels of end user productivity by
`performing all network communication tasks in a seamless,
`uninterrupted manner regardless of the location of the
`device, the type of network connection being used, or the
`form of data communication being carried out.
`
`[0019] The end user device may comprise any device
`capable of communicating data to or from a data commu-
`nication network in accordance with one or more wired
`and/or wireless communication protocols. Wired and wire-
`less networks supported by an end user device in accordance
`with embodiments ofthe present invention may include: (1)
`cellular networks, including but not limited to AMPS and
`N-AMPS, CDMA, TDMA, GSM, iDEN, PCS 1900, PCD,
`and PHS; (2) public packet-radio networks, including but
`not
`limited to CDPD and CS-CDPD, DataTAC 4000,
`DataTAC 5000, Modacom, DataTAC 6000, DataTAC/IP,
`GPRS (GSM), Mobitex, Mobitex/IP, and PDC-P; (3) Inter-
`net connections, including but not limited to cable modem,
`DSL, and ISP; (4) Dial-up connections, including but not
`limited to DIkL/TCP, ISDN, PPP, and PSTN (POTS); (5)
`private packet networks, including but not limited to Dat-
`aradio and Motorola Private Data TAC; (6) satellite net-
`works, including but not limited to Norcom; and (7) LAN
`connections, including but not limited to Ethernet, Token
`Ring and Wireless LAN.
`
`[0020] For example, the end user device may comprise a
`notebook or tablet PC with or without a docking interface,
`that provides one or more of the following network connec-
`tion capabilities: (1) connectivity to a wired Ethernet net-
`work, wireless LAN (WLAN) and/or wireless WAN
`(WWAN); (2) voice and/or video connectivity, including but
`not limited to VOIP connectivity and/or Session Initiation
`Protocol (SIP) connectivity; (3) connectivity with wired
`and/or wireless phone hand/headsets; and (4) connectivity
`with secure networks and clients, including but not limited
`to virtual private networks (VPN) and Trusted Computing
`Platform Alliance (TCPA) networking and communication
`platforms.
`
`[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a high-level diagram of an exem-
`plary end user device 100 in accordance with an embodi-
`ment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, exem-
`plary end user device 100 comprises a mobileclient device,
`such as a notebook or tablet PC, operating under the
`Microsoft Windows™ XP operating system.
`
`[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, exemplary end user device
`100 includes a numberof built-in network interfaces 102 for
`communicating over one or more data communication net-
`works in accordance with one or more associated commu-
`
`nication protocols. These network interfaces 102 include a
`Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) interface, an 802.11x interface, and
`a Bluetooth™ interface. End user device 100 also includes
`
`a Bluetooth™interface 104 (which may comprise one of the
`previously identified network interfaces 102 or mayalter-
`nately comprise an additionalinterface) that supports the use
`of a wireless Bluetooth™ headset 106 for placing and
`receiving VoIP phonecalls and the like. End user device 100
`further supports GPRS connectivity through the use of a
`built-in GPRSinterface 108 or through a Bluetooth™ con-
`nection to a GPRS phone 110.
`
`[0023] Exemplary end user device 100 further comprises
`an interface 112 for connection to a docking station 114.
`Docking station 114 provides device 100 with a stationary
`connection to a network 116, such as a wired Ethernet LAN.
`As shown in FIG. 1, network 116 also connects end user
`device 100 to a VoIP phone 118 via a GbE switch for the
`routing and handling of VoIP calls received by end user
`device 100.
`
`[0024] Exemplary end user device 100 further comprises:
`a silent ring light 124 that provides a visual indication to an
`end user of incoming message or VoIP call, a message
`waiting light 122 that provides a visual indication to an end
`user that they have received a voice and/or text message, and
`an optional built-in video camera and microphone 120 for
`enabling video teleconferencing and the like. While in a
`mobile (i.e., undocked) mode, power management for exem-
`plary end user device 100 is provided via a “smart power”
`system 126 that ensures that at
`least enough poweris
`provided to device 100 to ensure that all secure network
`communication links are kept active. This mode of operation
`may bereferred to as a “virtual off” mode.
`
`FIG.2 illustrates functions of an end user device in
`[0025]
`accordance with embodiments of the present invention dur-
`ing various stationary and mobile modes of operation,
`including operation at primary and secondary stationary
`locations as well as mobile on-site and off-site operation.
`
`[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, when docked at a primary
`stationary location 202, such as at an office desk, the end
`user device (which for purposes of FIG. 2 is denoted a
`“seamlessly networked client” or “SNC”), operates as a
`communications base station. In this mode of operation, the
`end user device can be docked and undocked in any state
`while still maintaining a network connection. Thus, for
`example, the end user device can transition from a wired to
`wireless state while maintaining an active network connec-
`tion. While at the primary station location,
`the end user
`device can also accept VoIP calls or
`route them to a
`network-attached VoIP phone while providing additional
`features to enhance the VoIP call, act as a wireless access
`point or “repeater” to facilitate communication between
`other end user devices and a WLAN,andact as a VoIP or SIP
`wireless base station for wireless handsets or headsets.
`
`[0027] As further shown in FIG. 2, when located at a
`secondary stationary location 204, such as an office confer-
`ence room, an end user device in accordance with an
`embodimentof the present invention can wirelessly connect
`to smart projectors, such as those enabled by Microsoft
`Mira™-based technology, for presentations. While at the
`secondary stationary location, the end user device can con-
`tinue to receive VoIP calls and allows for such calls to be
`
`received in a privacy mode via a headset or handset.
`Furthermore, while at
`the secondary stationary location,
`whether in an “awake” or “asleep” mode,
`the end user
`device provides a silent ring signal to alert an end user to
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 6
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 6
`
`

`

`US 2004/0133668 Al
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`incoming phonecalls, a message indicator light to indicate
`that a voice or text message has been received, as well as call
`screening functionality. In addition, the end user device can
`act as a wireless access point at the secondary stationary
`location to share limited wired connections.
`
`[0028] During mobile operation while roaming on-site
`206, such as roaming in an office,
`the end user device
`continues to provide secure connections to the office net-
`workthat are uninterrupted regardless of whether the device
`is in an “awake” or “asleep” mode. While in this mode, the
`end user device can continue to receive and screen VoIP
`calls.
`
`[0029] During mobile operation while roaming off-site
`208, such as while in transit or at home, the end user device
`continues to provide secure connections to the network via
`an 802.11x connection, a GPRS connection to a WWAN,or
`via a wired connection. During this mode,
`the end user
`device can continue to receive VoIP calls.
`
`[0030] Usage modes of an end-user device in accordance
`with embodiments of the present invention maybe divided
`into the following categories of operation:
`
`desk-bound at a primary office location, mobile
`[0031]
`while roaming within a campus network, mobile while
`roaming outside of the campus network, in a meeting room
`(secondary location), or at home (secondary location).
`
`[0032] While desk-bound at a primary office location, an
`end user device in accordance with embodiments of the
`
`present invention provides one or more of the following
`functions: provides a connection to a LAN/WLAN;may be
`docked or undocked; provides continuous network connec-
`tion while transitioning from a wired to wireless connection,
`or vice versa; provides continuous network connection dur-
`ing docking and undocking regardless of the state of the end
`user device or physical network transitions; and permits
`extension of WLAN coverage by operating as an access
`pointor a repeater in background mode. Furthermore, while
`desk-bound at a primary office location, an end user device
`in accordance with embodiments of the present invention
`provides one or more of the following phone and/or mes-
`saging-related functions: the end user device processes VoIP
`calls with “dumb” hand/headsetsor routesthe call to a VoIP
`phone, while providing additional functions that enhances
`the phone experience; call screening, voicemail forwarding,
`and/or unified mailbox functionality; enabling of video and
`voice calls; and call relay to a wireless hand/headset to
`permit roaming in local hallways.
`
`In a mobile mode while roaming within a campus
`[0033]
`network, an end user device in accordance with embodi-
`ments of the present invention provides one or more of the
`following functions: seamlessly transitions from a LAN
`connection to a WLAN connection; provides continuous
`network connection while roaming regardless of the power
`state of the end user device; and permits extension of WLAN
`coverage by operating as an access point or a repeater in
`background mode. Furthermore, while in a mobile mode
`roaming within a campus network, an end user device in
`accordance with embodiments of the present invention pro-
`vides one or more of the following phone and/or messaging-
`related functions: reception of phone calls and video calls
`without latency regardless of the state of the end user device;
`call screening, voicemail forwarding, and/or unified mailbox
`
`functionality; enabling of video and voicecalls; call relay to
`a wireless hand/headset to permit roaming in local hallways;
`generation ofa silent ring indicatorin all powerstates of the
`end user device; and generation of a message waiting
`indicator in all powerstates of the end user device.
`
`Ina mobile mode while operating outside a campus
`[0034]
`network, an end user device in accordance with embodi-
`ments of the present invention provides one or more of the
`following functions: seamlessly transitions from a WLAN
`connection to a WWAN connection; provides continuous
`network connection while transitioning from a WLAN con-
`nection to a WWAN connection,or vice versa; and ability to
`use a WWAN connection to permit extension of WLAN
`coverage by acting as an access point in background mode.
`Furthermore, while in a mobile mode operating outside a
`campus network, an end user device in accordance with
`embodiments of the present invention provides one or more
`of the following phone and/or messaging related functions:
`use of a WWAN connection as either a standard phone
`connection or as transport for VoIP packets; call screening,
`voicemail forwarding, and/or unified mailbox functionality
`as available in VoIP mode; and enabling of video and voice
`calls in either a standard phone connection mode or a VoIP
`mode.
`
`Ina secondary location such as a meeting room, an
`[0035]
`end user device in accordance with embodiments of the
`present invention provides one or more of the following
`functions: provides a connection to a LAN or WLAN;
`maintains a network connection that stays present when
`going from a wired to wireless connection, or vice versa;
`permits extension of WLAN coverage by operating as an
`access point or a repeater in background mode; and provides
`for a wireless connection to “smart projectors,” such as those
`enabled by Microsoft Mira™-based technology, for con-
`ducting presentations. Furthermore, while operating in a
`secondary location such as a meeting room, an end user
`device in accordance with embodiments of the present
`invention provides one or more of the following phone
`and/or messaging related functions: call relay to a wireless
`hand/headset that connects to the end user device; enabling
`of video and voice calls; generation of a silent ring indicator
`in all powerstates of the end user device; and call screening,
`including call screening in a “meeting mode” in which a
`caller is notified of an end user’s intent to pick up the call,
`thus providing the end user with time to move to privacy
`without interrupting a meeting.
`
`In a secondary location such as at home, an end
`[0036]
`user device in accordance with embodiments of the present
`invention provides one or more of the following functions:
`provides a continuous network connection while transition-
`ing from a WWAN to a home LAN or WLAN;provides
`continuous connectivity to office WPN; and the ability to
`take advantage of home network functions and capabilities,
`such as personal video recording (PVR), digital media
`networking, and the like. Furthermore, while operating in a
`secondary location such as the home, an end user device in
`accordance with embodiments of the present invention pro-
`vides one or more of the following phone and/or messaging
`related functions: enabling of video and voice calls via both
`an office VoIP network and/or a home network; and ability
`to indicate which network originated a phone call (e.g.,
`office or personal) via distinctive ring or display function-
`ality.
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 7
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 7
`
`

`

`US 2004/0133668 Al
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`II. Architecture
`
`[0037] FIG. 3 depicts an example end user device 300 in
`accordance with an embodimentofthe present invention. As
`shown in FIG.3, the example end user device includes a
`processor 302 for executing software routines in accordance
`with embodiments of the present
`invention. Although a
`single processor is shownfor the sake ofclarity, the end user
`device 300 may also comprise a multi-processor device. The
`processor 302 is connected to a communication infrastruc-
`ture 304 for communication with other components of the
`end user device 300. The communication infrastructure 300
`may comprise, for example, a communications bus, cross-
`bar, or network.
`
`[0038] The end user device 300 further includes a main
`memory 306, such as a random access memory (RAM), and
`a secondary memory 308. The secondary memory 308 may
`include, for example, a hard disk drive 310 and/or a remov-
`able storage drive 312, which may comprise a floppy disk
`drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, or the
`like. The removable storage drive 312 reads from and/or
`writes to a removable storage unit 314 in a well known
`manner. Removable storage unit 314 may comprise a floppy
`disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, or the like, which is read
`by and written to by removable storage drive 312. As will be
`appreciated by persons skilled in the art,
`the removable
`storage unit 314 includes a computer usable storage medium
`having stored therein computer software and/or data.
`
`In alternative embodiments, secondary memory
`[0039]
`308 may include other similar means for allowing computer
`programsorother instructions to be loaded into the end user
`device 300. Such meanscan include, for example, a remov-
`able storage unit 318 and an interface 316 Examples of a
`removable storage unit 318 and interface 316 include a
`program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found
`in video game console devices), a removable memory chip
`(such as an EPROM,or PROM)and associated socket, and
`other removable storage units 318 and interfaces 316 which
`allow software and data to be transferred from the remov-
`able storage unit 318 to the end user device 300.
`
`[0040] The end user device 300 further includes a display
`interface 320 that forwards graphics, text, and other data
`from the communication infrastructure 304 or from a frame
`buffer (not shown)for display to a user on a display unit 322.
`
`[0041] The end user device 300 alsoincludes a plurality of
`communication interfaces 324a-324n. The communication
`
`interfaces 324a-324n permit data, including but not limited
`to voice, video, and/or computer data to be transferred
`between the end user device 300 and external devices via a
`
`plurality of data communication networks. The communi-
`cation interfaces 324a-324n may comprise, for example, a
`Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) interface, an 802.11x interface, and
`a Bluetooth™ interface.
`
`[0042] As used herein, the term “computer program prod-
`uct” may refer,
`in part,
`to removable storage umt 314,
`removable storage unit 318, a hard disk installed in hard disk
`drive 310, or a carrier wave carrying software over a
`communication path (wired or wireless) to any of commu-
`nication interfaces 324a-324n. A computer useable medium
`can include magnetic media, optical media, or other record-
`able media, or media that transmits a carrier wave or other
`signal. These computer program products are means for
`providing software to the end user device 300.
`
`[0043] Computer programs(also called computer control
`logic) maybe stored in main memory 306 and/or secondary
`memory 308, as well as in a memory internal to processor
`302 (not shown in FIG. 3). Computer programscan also be
`received via any of communications interfaces 324a-324n.
`In
`an embodiment,
`such computer programs, when
`executed, enable the end user device 300 to perform the
`features of the present invention as discussed herein. In
`particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable
`the processor 302 to perform features of the present inven-
`tion. Accordingly, such computer programs represent con-
`trollers of the end user device 300.
`
`the features of the
`In an alternate embodiment,
`[0044]
`present invention are implemented by one or more of the
`communication interfaces 324a-324n.
`In a still
`further
`
`embodiment, the features of the present invention are imple-
`mented by the processor 302, via the execution of computer
`programs, in combination with one or more of the commu-
`nication interfaces 324a-324n.
`
`III. Network Detection
`
`[0045] An end user device in accordance with an embodi-
`ment of the present invention performs a network detection
`function in order to determine which of the plurality of
`networks supported by the device, if any, are available for
`data communication.
`
`[0046] The network detection function is preferably per-
`formed automatically by the end user device. For example,
`the network detection function may be performed automati-
`cally: (1) as part of the power-up sequence of the end user
`device to determine which network(s)areinitially available
`to the end user device; (2) when the end user initiates a
`network-related task, such as sending an e-mail, initiating a
`VoIP phonecall, or storing/retrievinga file to/from a remote
`database, to determine which network(s) are available for
`performing the task; (3) one or more times during an active
`network connection to determine if the current communica-
`tion path is still satisfactory, and to determine if alternate,
`potentially more optimal, network connectionsare available;
`and/or (4) when a network connection is lost, in order to
`determine which network(s) are available for re-establishing
`data communication. In an embodiment, the network detec-
`tion function mayalso be initiated by the end userto identify
`available network(s),
`for example, as part of a system
`diagnostic function.
`
`[0047] An end user device in accordance with an embodi-
`ment of the present invention is preferably configured to
`cease performing network detection if an active network
`connection is determined to be optimal. By curtailing net-
`work detection when an optimal network connection has
`been achieved, embodiments of the present invention con-
`serve the system resources necessary for performing net-
`work detection functions.
`
`[0048] Various algorithms may be used to determine
`whichofthe plurality of networks supported by the end user
`device should be subject to network detection, and in which
`order each of these networks should be tested for availabil-
`ity. For example, the network detection function may search
`for available networksbyfirst searching for the networkthat
`provides the fastest expected transfer rate, and if that net-
`workis unavailable, searching for the network that provides
`the second fastest expected transfer rate, and so on, in order
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 8
`
`IPR2017-02056, Petitioner Google Inc.
`Ex. 1006, p. 8
`
`

`

`US 2004/0133668 Al
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`the fastest network connection possible. In an
`to detect
`alternate embodiment, the network detection function may
`perform network availability testing based on the type of
`data that the end user device needs to communicate.
`
`IV. Network Selection
`
`[0049] After the network detection function has been
`performed, an end user device in accordance with an
`embodimentof the present invention selects one of the one
`or more network(s) determined to be available for perform-
`ing a data communication task. The end user device may
`select an available network for data communication based
`on one or more predefined criteria.
`
`[0050] For example, an end user device in accordance with
`an embodiment of the present
`invention may select an
`available network based on the type of data that it needs to
`communicate.
`
`[0051] An end user device in accordance with an embodi-
`ment of the present
`invention may select
`the available
`network based on the expected bit error rate or signal-to-
`noise ratio associated with each available network, wherein
`the end user device selects the network with the lowest
`
`expected bit error rate or signal-to-noise ratio. The bit error
`rate or signal-to-noise ratio of a particular network may be
`determined: (1) by the end user device itself, through the
`execution of a network-specific testing protocol; (2