ATM Network Tethering for Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) experience reliability issues when their primary network connection is severed or degraded, leading to unavailable functionality, especially during natural disasters or service interruptions.
Innovation Solution
ATMs can establish a secure peer-to-peer (P2P) connection with user devices, such as smartphones, to share the device's internet connection, allowing transactions to proceed even when the primary connection is unavailable, through methods like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth tethering, with user permission and secure authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ATMs use primary network connections (VPN, leased lines, POTS) to communicate with server devices, then transaction processing capability is maintained, but reliability deteriorates when network links are severed or degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The user device acts as an intermediary between the ATM and server device, establishing a peer-to-peer connection that routes transactions through the user's internet connection when primary network links are unavailable, thereby maintaining transaction capability during network outages
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between primary network connections and alternative peer-to-peer connections based on network availability, allowing the ATM to adapt its communication path in real-time to maintain service continuity
2Reliability
If ATMs establish peer-to-peer connections with user devices to maintain functionality during outages, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ATM autonomously detects network connectivity status and initiates peer-to-peer connection establishment with user devices without requiring manual intervention, managing the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to users
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ATMs implement secure authentication and user permission prompts for tethering, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional user interactions required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs secure authentication and obtains user permission before establishing peer-to-peer connections, preparing security measures in advance to prevent unauthorized access while minimizing disruption to the transaction process
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for improved reliability in a bank computer network can include: identifying an ATM proximate to a user device; determining whether the user device is communicably coupled to a server device over a secure link, the server device hosted by a financial institution and capable processing ATM transactions; establishing a secure link with the server device in response to determining the user device is not communicably coupled with the server device; prompting a user for permission to tether with the ATM in response to determining the user device is communicably coupled with the server device or determining the secure link has been established; receiving an indication of a response to the prompt for permission to tether with ATM; and establishing a P2P connection between the ATM and the user device.