{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854473","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854473","title":"Efficient steering for user equipments in either an idle state or a connected state","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2013-08-08T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","H04L","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":18,"abstract":"For use in offloading traffic to a wireless local area network (WLAN) a user equipment (UE) receives from a wireless wide area network at least a first set of thresholds having different thresholds corresponding to different types of data to be offloaded. The UE utilizes the threshold corresponding to a given type of data to evaluate whether an access node operating in the WLAN is suitable for offloading data of the given type. Only if the evaluated access node is determined to be suitable will the UE use it for offloading, and only for data of the given type. In other non-limiting embodiments the first set of thresholds has different thresholds corresponding to different data-types for different categories (e.g., subscription levels) of the UE; and there may be a second set of thresholds with different thresholds corresponding to different classifications of different WLAN access nodes."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Efficient Steering for User Equipments in Either an Idle State or a Connected State patent introduces a novel approach to managing user equipment (UE) traffic in wireless networks. The core innovation lies in intelligently offloading traffic from wireless wide area networks (WWANs) to wireless local area networks (WLANs) based on data-type-specific thresholds. This addresses the problem of inefficient traffic handling, which often leads to network congestion and poor user experience. The technology works by enabling the UE to receive a set of thresholds from the WWAN, with different thresholds corresponding to different data types. The UE then evaluates WLAN access nodes based on their suitability for offloading specific data types, ensuring that only appropriate access nodes are used for each type of data. This approach optimizes network performance, reduces congestion, and provides a smoother user experience. The business value of this technology lies in its potential to improve network efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. It has applications in various industries, including telecommunications, mobile computing, and IoT. The market opportunity is significant, as the demand for wireless data continues to grow, and efficient traffic management becomes increasingly critical. This patent offers a competitive advantage by providing a more intelligent and adaptive approach to network steering.","layman_explanation":"The Efficient Steering for User Equipments in Either an Idle State or a Connected State patent addresses the problem of inefficient network usage when mobile devices switch between cellular networks and Wi-Fi. Existing solutions often fail to optimize traffic flow, leading to slow speeds and poor user experiences.\n\nThis technology works by assigning different 'thresholds' to various types of data, such as video streaming, email, and web browsing. These thresholds represent the minimum network requirements for each data type. When a mobile device connects to a Wi-Fi network, it evaluates whether the network meets the threshold for the specific data being transmitted. If the Wi-Fi network is suitable, the data is offloaded from the cellular network. If not, the data remains on the cellular network or is directed to a more appropriate Wi-Fi network.\n\nThis approach matters because it improves network efficiency, reduces congestion, and enhances the user experience. By intelligently steering traffic, the system ensures that each type of data is transmitted over the most suitable network, optimizing performance and minimizing delays. This can lead to faster download speeds, smoother video streaming, and more reliable connections.\n\nThe future applications of this technology are vast. As the number of connected devices continues to grow, the need for efficient network management will become even more critical. This patent provides a foundation for building more intelligent and adaptive wireless networks. Market adoption is expected to increase as network operators and device manufacturers seek to improve performance and user satisfaction. Investment implications are positive, as this technology has the potential to generate significant returns by optimizing network resource utilization and enhancing the value of wireless services. Consider a real-world analogy: Imagine a highway system where cars, trucks, and motorcycles are all forced to use the same lanes. This leads to congestion and delays. Now, imagine a system where each type of vehicle is directed to the most appropriate lane based on its size and speed. This is similar to how Efficient Steering for User Equipments in Either an Idle State or a Connected State works, optimizing traffic flow and improving overall performance.","technical_analysis":"The Efficient Steering for User Equipments in Either an Idle State or a Connected State patent describes a system for intelligently managing user equipment (UE) traffic in wireless networks. The technical architecture involves the UE, WWAN, and WLAN access points. The WWAN provides the UE with a set of data-type-specific thresholds. The UE utilizes these thresholds to evaluate the suitability of WLAN access points for offloading different types of data. The implementation details involve algorithms for measuring network parameters such as signal strength, bandwidth, and latency. These parameters are compared against the data-type-specific thresholds to determine the optimal WLAN access point for each type of data. The integration patterns involve seamless switching between WWAN and WLAN based on the evaluation results. The performance characteristics of the system include improved network efficiency, reduced congestion, and better user experience. Code-level implications involve the implementation of these algorithms in the UE's network stack and the WWAN's control plane. The invention allows for different thresholds based on UE subscription levels and WLAN access node classifications, adding another layer of optimization. This enables the system to adapt to varying network conditions and user requirements, ensuring consistent performance across different scenarios.","business_analysis":"The Efficient Steering for User Equipments in Either an Idle State or a Connected State patent presents a significant business opportunity in the telecommunications and wireless networking industries. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for wireless data and the growing number of connected devices. The competitive advantages of this technology include improved network efficiency, reduced congestion, and enhanced user experience. The revenue potential lies in licensing the technology to network operators, mobile device manufacturers, and IoT solution providers. Business models can include upfront licensing fees, royalty payments, and subscription-based services. The strategic positioning of this technology is as a key enabler of next-generation wireless networks, capable of delivering higher performance and better user satisfaction. ROI projections are favorable, as the technology can significantly reduce operational costs and increase revenue by optimizing network resource utilization. This patent provides a foundation for building a successful business in the rapidly evolving wireless communication landscape. The ability to dynamically adjust thresholds based on UE categories and WLAN access node classifications opens up new possibilities for tiered service offerings and customized network solutions.","faqs":null,"topics":["wireless steering","network optimization","WLAN offloading","data-type specific","user equipment"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Efficient Steering for User Equipments - Patent US-9854473","description":"Discover how Efficient Steering for User Equipments in Either an Idle State or a Connected State optimizes wireless traffic. Full patent analysis, claims, and prior art search.","keywords":["wireless steering","network optimization","WLAN offloading","data-type specific","user equipment","patent","patent US-9854473"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854473","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854473","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Efficient steering for user equipments in either an idle state or a connected state\" (US-9854473). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854473","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854473","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854473","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T19:41:12.828Z"}