Access Point with Limited Flash Memory for Remote Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication access points (APs) require significant flash memory for storage and file system operations, leading to increased costs and potential security vulnerabilities, as well as the need for country-specific software installations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an access point that uses a limited amount of flash memory for basic operations and downloads a system image from a network entity via a wireless connection, utilizing non-flash memory for file system operations and storing files remotely, thereby reducing costs and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If flash memory is used for storage and file system operations in access points, then storage capacity and operational functionality are improved, but cost increases and security vulnerabilities arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file system and storage operations from the flash memory, moving them to a remote server via wireless network. The access point no longer stores files locally but instead accesses a remote file system, eliminating the security vulnerabilities associated with local flash memory storage while maintaining storage capacity through remote access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless network as an intermediary between the access point and the storage system. Instead of direct local storage in flash memory, data is transmitted through the wireless network to a remote server for storage and retrieval, providing both security and storage capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If flash memory is used for storage operations in access points, then storage functionality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive flash memory storage component from the access point by extracting storage functionality to a remote server. The access point only retains minimal local storage for basic operations, significantly reducing hardware costs while maintaining storage capacity through remote access.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive physical flash memory, the patent creates a virtual copy of the storage system in the cloud. The remote server provides storage capacity as a service, eliminating the need for costly local storage hardware in each access point.
3Adaptability or versatility
If country-specific software is installed in flash memory, then adaptability to different regions is improved, but device complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic software loading where country-specific applications are not pre-installed in flash memory but are downloaded from the remote server only when needed. This allows the access point to adapt to different regions dynamically without the complexity of managing multiple pre-installed software versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the access point with basic functionality and pre-establishing the wireless network connection to the remote server. Country-specific software is then automatically downloaded and installed as needed, eliminating the complexity of manual software selection and installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for an access point (AP) that does not use a flash memory for some storage (e.g., storing software images, logs, data, and other content used or generated by the AP) and file system operations (e.g., reading and writing dynamic files used by the AP). A method that may be performed, by an AP having a limited amount of flash memory, includes downloading a system image from a network entity, other than the AP, via a wireless network connection; and providing wireless local area network (WLAN) AP services using the downloaded system image.