Integrated Cell Phone WLAN Access Point Merging Radios
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Solution Overview
Problem
WLAN-enabled devices, such as the iPod Touch, cannot access cellular data networks like 3G, and configuring a device to use a cell phone as a modem is inconvenient and complex, limiting Internet access in areas without Wi-Fi hotspots.
Innovation Solution
An integrated cell phone/WLAN access point device that combines a WLAN radio with a cellular radio to provide cellular data connectivity to WLAN-enabled devices, offering a simple and secure way to access the Internet over a cellular network, eliminating the need for separate modem configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device is configured to use a cell phone as a modem, then cellular data connectivity is achieved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cell phone and WLAN access point into a single integrated device. The cell phone includes both a cellular radio for accessing cellular data networks and a WLAN radio for providing wireless connectivity to other devices. This merging eliminates the need for separate modem configuration while maintaining cellular data connectivity capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: it acts as both a cell phone for cellular voice and data services, and as a WLAN access point for wireless networking. The device can simultaneously provide cellular data connectivity to connected devices without requiring complex modem configuration, achieving universal connectivity functionality.
2Ease of operation
If WLAN hot spots are deployed, then wireless Internet access is provided, but coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cellular network infrastructure with WLAN access functionality. By integrating the cellular radio and WLAN radio in a single device, the system combines the wide coverage of cellular networks with the ease of wireless connectivity, extending Internet access beyond the limited coverage of traditional WLAN hot spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device acts as an intermediary between the cellular network and WLAN-enabled devices. It receives data from the cellular network through the cellular radio and redistributes it through the WLAN radio to connected devices, enabling widespread cellular-based wireless Internet access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cell phone is configured as a modem, then cellular data service is accessed, but ease of operation decreases due to driver installation and connection configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cellular data service functionality directly into the cell phone as a built-in feature rather than requiring external modem configuration. The cellular radio is pre-configured within the device, eliminating the need for users to install drivers or configure connections manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device automatically manages its own configuration for both cellular and WLAN operations. The device self-configures network connections, assigns IP addresses, and manages data routing without requiring user intervention for driver installation or connection setup, significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated cell phone/WLAN AP for providing cell phone functionality and cellular-based data connectivity to a WLAN enabled device. The cell phone AP comprises a WLAN radio, a WLAN AP coupled to the WLAN radio, a cellular radio coupled to the WLAN radio, for communicatively connecting to a cellular system having a cellular-based data service and passing data between the WLAN-enabled device and the cellular system, a cell phone function block coupled to the cellular radio for providing conventional cell phone functionality, and a power supply.