Wireless Access Point Failover via Mobile Device Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital surveillance systems using wireless local area networks (WLANs), issues arise when wireless access points or wide area networks (WANs) malfunction, disrupting network data communication between devices and the WAN.
Innovation Solution
Mobile communication devices can act as intermediaries to establish network communication access by using various wireless technologies, such as IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.11, and ZigBee, to bridge the gap between devices and the WAN, facilitating communication through alternative networks like the Internet or public networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless access point is used as a gateway to connect devices to the WAN, then network data communication is enabled, but the system becomes vulnerable to single point of failure when the access point or WAN malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary component that can assume gateway functions when the primary wireless access point fails. This mobile device acts as a mediator to maintain network connectivity by establishing alternative communication paths between WLAN devices and the WAN, thereby resolving the single point of failure issue without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic gateway selection where the system can switch between the primary wireless access point and alternative gateways (such as mobile devices) based on operational status. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to respond to failures by reconfiguring communication paths, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated failover mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If the wireless access point functions as the sole gateway, then network communication is simplified, but communication is disrupted when the access point or WAN experiences problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring alternative gateway devices (mobile devices) with necessary network credentials and communication capabilities before failures occur. This preparation ensures that when the primary access point fails, the system can immediately switch to pre-configured alternatives without complex real-time configuration, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically modifying network communication parameters such as gateway addresses, routing tables, and communication protocols when failures are detected. This allows the system to maintain simple operation for users while automatically adjusting technical parameters to ensure continuous communication through alternative paths
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes establishing a first communication path from an access point to a service assurance platform via a first network. The access point is configured to provide a wireless local area network. The method includes establishing a second communication path from the access point to the service assurance platform via a mobile device coupled to a second network. The second communication path is distinct from the first communication path. The method includes initiating transmission of a message from the access point to the service assurance platform via the mobile device. The message is associated with an issue detected by a device coupled to the wireless local area network.