Predictive data rates for wireless roaming and selection

Abstract

The technology automatically selects a wireless network connection for a wireless device such as a laptop or a mobile phone based on predicted data rate. The wireless device is configured to receive physical and link layer measurements of access points. Based on the measurements, the wireless device predicts a data rate for each access point prior to forming a network connection therewith. The predicted data rate estimates a rate at which data is transferred from a transceiver of the wireless device to the access point once the wireless network connection is formed. The wireless device selects an access point with a highest predicted data rate, and the transceiver can then be instructed to form a connection with the selected access point.