Engineering Investigations
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Duane Benson
I'd say this is a very logical feature. I'm surprised it's not already there. My ...
t.alex
Wifi Hot spots information is also collect by iOS to improve GPS service.
iPhone iOS6 finds better connection when Wi-Fi is overwhelmed
Aidan Dillon
8/30/2012 9:00 AM EDT
Rumor has it that Apple’s new iOS 6 operating system, due to launch in the next quarter, will contain a feature that keeps users connected to the best possible network at all times.
It’s dubbed “Wi-Fi Plus Cellular” and according to the AppleInsider, it means that when you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection that’s busy, your iPhone will independently choose to find you a better connection even if that means going back to cellular. It will keep syncing data and applications and keep your FaceTime videoconference from dropping if you are using an iPhone 4S or greater.
From our point of view, this new feature can only be a good thing. Today, networks are designed to automatically connect smart phone users to Wi-Fi even if the existing 3G connection available offers better bandwidth.
It seems illogical, but your smartphone does not necessarily pick out the best service for you. The new feature makes connecting to a network more mobile operator friendly because it makes sure that existing 3G and 4G networks are utilized as much as possible, without automatically pushing users to Wi-Fi.
At Accuris Networks, we work with mobile operators every day to help make Wi-Fi look and behave like an extension of existing 3G and 4G networks. We think that this new feature will benefit the mobile operator and end user alike.
If smart phones have a way of finding the best service at all times, in any location and don’t have to be shoehorned into one option, it will give users a better connection.
Toggling back and forth between cellular and Wi-Fi until a high bandwidth connection becomes available benefits the end user who can continue to use all the existing services on a phone when on the move. Mobile operators benefit because customers stay on their networks longer and can access all services including policy solutions, billing and security.
It’s dubbed “Wi-Fi Plus Cellular” and according to the AppleInsider, it means that when you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection that’s busy, your iPhone will independently choose to find you a better connection even if that means going back to cellular. It will keep syncing data and applications and keep your FaceTime videoconference from dropping if you are using an iPhone 4S or greater.
From our point of view, this new feature can only be a good thing. Today, networks are designed to automatically connect smart phone users to Wi-Fi even if the existing 3G connection available offers better bandwidth.
It seems illogical, but your smartphone does not necessarily pick out the best service for you. The new feature makes connecting to a network more mobile operator friendly because it makes sure that existing 3G and 4G networks are utilized as much as possible, without automatically pushing users to Wi-Fi.
At Accuris Networks, we work with mobile operators every day to help make Wi-Fi look and behave like an extension of existing 3G and 4G networks. We think that this new feature will benefit the mobile operator and end user alike.
If smart phones have a way of finding the best service at all times, in any location and don’t have to be shoehorned into one option, it will give users a better connection.
Toggling back and forth between cellular and Wi-Fi until a high bandwidth connection becomes available benefits the end user who can continue to use all the existing services on a phone when on the move. Mobile operators benefit because customers stay on their networks longer and can access all services including policy solutions, billing and security.
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3dzd3
8/30/2012 12:32 PM EDT
This is entirely illogical. I turn my cellular data off for a reason. If this thing automatically turns it back on for me, I am going to be very upset.
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Bert22306
8/30/2012 4:33 PM EDT
It may be entirely ILLOGICAL, depending on circumstances. Most people have limits on their 3G download volume per month, which is why cellphones with WiFi access give preference to WiFi. I suppose if that feature were user-adjustable, it might be a decent idea.
The mobile operator might benefit alright, in the sense he'll get higher monthly fees from subscribers.
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Oflife
8/30/2012 5:28 PM EDT
Here in the U of K, this cannot be done because every single time a different WiFi hotspot comes into range, one is forced to login again using the location's password. IE, StarBucks, local pub, branded pub or restaurant etc. Apple, like most of us regular folks, are pining for something that is most probably going to come from another as yet unheard of company that will in one foul swipe, pull the rug from the carriers.
;)
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Oflife
8/30/2012 5:29 PM EDT
Omitted to say, when I say, 'login', I don't mean the connection's password, I mean that a web page will pop up forcing one to either signup for the location's branded WiFi service or if you're already signed up, login. You cannot remain logged in because the connections often have time limits.
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Frank Eory
8/30/2012 5:50 PM EDT
This is a great idea! If I'm out in the yard, my phone will still connect to the WiFi, but the signal is weak and the data rate is often better on 3G. In those situations, I usually shut off WiFi to force it to use 3G. Then I have to remember to turn WiFi on again when I go back indoors.
I think you guys saying "illogical" are misunderstanding. On the iPhone, WiFi is either on or off and Cellular Data is either on or off, both under user control. When both network connections are enabled, in iOS5 the phone always chooses WiFi if it can. It seems that in iOS6, when both networks are enabled, the phone will choose whichever one has the faster data rate.
This isn't going to prohibit anyone from shutting off Cellular Data to avoid exceeding their monthly data allowance.
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eewiz
8/30/2012 11:50 PM EDT
Exactly. I think the ability to switch off cellular data or force connect to WiFi only will remain.
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Duane Benson
9/4/2012 2:17 PM EDT
I'd say this is a very logical feature. I'm surprised it's not already there. My Android phone seems to do this, but not always well. I can't see any reason not to have this happen.
Of course, it would be subject to use preference.
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prabhakar_deosthali
8/31/2012 3:20 AM EDT
Only one doubt I have is while switching the net connection , if i am in the middle of downloading something ,will my current downloading get aborted and I have to start afresh? Many times such aborting wastes a lot of data already downloaded and the whole process has to be repeated
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MayheMan
8/31/2012 4:39 AM EDT
That would be good as an option but it would be better if the wifi Just works like they do on android phones. Or on laptops or any other device that connects to wifi.
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Frank Eory
8/31/2012 6:05 PM EDT
Of course it would be better if the WiFi "just works," but there are many times it doesn't, or it's slow, or the router loses its mind and needs a re-boot.
How does your Android phone or laptop fix the WiFi signal level when you're too far away from the router?
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hm
8/31/2012 5:23 PM EDT
It should be possible to select:
First best data rate or
First Wi-Fi or
First 3G/4G.
This way user has complete freedom and they do not get huge bill for data.
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ssharmab
9/1/2012 1:25 PM EDT
Has anyone heard of UMA ?
http://www.umatechnology.org/overview/
What is being discussed here, exists already.
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t.alex
9/1/2012 8:20 PM EDT
Wifi Hot spots information is also collect by iOS to improve GPS service.
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