Wireless Backup Administration Network for Access Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication network access methods fail to enable devices in local networks to exchange administration data with administration servers when the main access link is down, leading to difficulties in remote administration and user dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented where access points configure themselves as secondary repeaters to create a wireless backup administration network, allowing devices to transfer diagnostic data and receive corrective instructions directly from the administration server, even when the primary access link is unavailable, without requiring additional equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices use the main access link to communicate with the administration server, then normal administration functions are maintained, but communication fails when the access link breaks down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadministration communication reliabilityVSAvoidaccess network structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an access point as an intermediary device that relays communication between administered devices and the administration server when the main access link is unavailable. The access point establishes a backup communication path by acting as a mediator, allowing devices to maintain administration connectivity through this intermediate node even when direct access to the extended communication network is lost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a backup administration network that is预先 established and activated only when the main access link fails. This cushioning mechanism ensures that administration communication can continue without interruption by having a pre-prepared alternative pathway, thus protecting against the failure of the primary communication channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a backup administration network is established, then communication during failures is enabled, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadministration data exchange capabilityVSAvoidnetwork configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables administered devices to automatically detect the failure of the main access link and autonomously switch to the backup administration network through the access point. The devices perform self-diagnosis and self-reconfiguration without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized control, thus reducing the operational complexity despite the presence of a backup network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The backup administration network is implemented as a dynamic system that remains dormant during normal operation and is activated only when needed. The network topology and communication paths adapt based on the operational status of the main access link, allowing the system to maintain simplicity under normal conditions while providing robustness when failures occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual intervention is required for diagnosis during failures, then no additional network infrastructure is needed, but diagnostic efficiency and user satisfaction decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic efficiencyVSAvoiduser intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where administered devices can automatically transmit diagnostic information and status data to the administration server through the backup network. The administration server receives this feedback and can remotely diagnose and resolve issues without requiring manual user intervention, thus improving both diagnostic efficiency and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automated self-diagnosis and self-reporting capabilities where devices can identify and communicate their own issues to the administration server. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually describe problems or intervene in the diagnostic process, significantly improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3228115B1Technique for accessing at least one adminstration server
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 ORANGE SA
  • EP3228115B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3228115B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3b
  • EP3228115B1 patent drawingFigure 3c~5b

AI summary

The invention relates to a technique for accessing at least one administration server (31) connected to a wide area communication network. A point of access (200, 210, 220, 212, 222) allowing access to the wide area communication network detects a wireless network dedicated to an exchange of administration data with the at least one administration server, termed the wireless administration network. Following this detection, the point of access connects to this wireless administration network and activates this administration network by itself in repeater mode, in which it repeats data received on said wireless network. This allows a device to exchange administration data with the administration server when a fault affecting its access to the wide area communication network occurs.