Application-Triggered Tethering for Time-Sensitive Internet Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accessing the Internet when needed urgently, especially in locations without Wi-Fi and when their cellular data plan does not include tethering, as there is no easy way to discover nearby devices capable of providing Internet access via tethering.
Innovation Solution
A method where a client device automatically initiates a search for Internet access via tethering by broadcasting a request when a high-priority task requires an immediate connection, allowing negotiation and payment for temporary access through a tethering device, which can be another mobile computing device or a networking device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a user manually searches for tethering devices, then Internet access can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic discovery and connection to tethering devices without requiring manual user intervention. The client device automatically broadcasts its tethering needs and receives responses from available tethering devices, eliminating the time-consuming manual search process while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the device with tethering capabilities and automatically initiating the search for tethering devices when Internet connectivity is needed. This preparation in advance reduces the time required to establish a connection when urgently needed.
2Productivity
If tethering is enabled without user consent, then automatic Internet access is achieved, but user control and awareness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by notifying users when tethering connections are established, maintained, or terminated. This allows automatic operation to improve productivity while keeping users informed and in control, resolving the contradiction between automation and user awareness.
3Reliability
If manual configuration of tethering settings is required, then security and control are improved, but complexity and time to establish connection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages tethering configuration, security settings, and connection parameters without requiring manual user input. This self-service approach maintains security through automated authentication and connection management while eliminating configuration complexity for users.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method for obtaining Internet access via tethering is disclosed. The method may be performed by a client device. The method may include detecting one or more user actions indicating that a task requires a connection to the Internet and also that the task is time sensitive, broadcasting a tethering request in response to detecting the one or more user actions, receiving a reply from a tethering device, tethering to the tethering device, and establishing a connection to the Internet via the tethering device.