Systems, methods and articles for providing communications and services via a peer-to-peer network over a data transport link

Abstract

Network communications, Web-based services and customized services using the Web-based services may be provided over a peer-to-peer network from a first peer to a second peer (e.g., automobile head unit) wherein the first peer has a separate connection to a more general server-based network such as the Internet. A communications device application based on a peer communications framework component in communication with a peer network stack on the communications device may work as middleware, with a connection to both a more general server-based network such as the Internet and to an external device, such as a head unit of an automobile. Although the communications device has a separate connection out to the Internet via a general network stack co-existing on the same communications device, the peer network stack and the general network stack are not directly connected.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]This disclosure relates to providing communications and services to a device (e.g., vehicle head unit) that does not otherwise have a connection to a server-based network such as the Internet.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]As information services increasingly become Web-based, continuous or near continuous access to the Internet for communications and data processing devices becomes more important for end users and businesses to be able to access these services in a timely and useful manner.[0005]For example, many communications devices such as cell phones, personal digital assistants and other hand-held form factor mobile communications devices implement Internet access functionality via cellular digital mobile telecommunications systems according to the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000), better known as the 3rd Generation (3G), family of standards for mobile telecommunications. However, many other devices ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for communicating between two peers in a communication network using a peer-to-peer network connection. The peers can be a mobile communications device and a server-based network. The method allows for the provision of services and the exchange of data between the peers. The communication can occur through a direct serial data transport link or a separate network interface. The method also allows for the forwarding of requests to the server-based network and the caching of data based on previous monitoring. The technical effects of the patent include the facilitation of peer-to-peer communication and the provision of network services through a peer-to-peer network connection.

Problems solved by technology

However, many other devices such as vehicles, home appliances, and other isolated products having various embedded systems may not have such communications functionality built in, or may not have connections to particular communication service carriers or providers needed to access many Web-based services on the Internet.

However, many mobile communications devices do not have such DUN capability or such DUN functionality is disabled or switched off by the service provider, retailer or cell phone manufacturer.

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