Cloud Switch Server for Dynamic IoT Network Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected devices are limited to a pre-defined network and cannot seamlessly switch to another network, leading to dependence on a single network's availability and characteristics such as security, cost, and latency, which can be suboptimal.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a cloud switch server to enable connected devices to automatically connect to a pre-defined cloud and switch to another cloud based on performance, security, cost, and geographical criteria, using a cloud switch process that involves a cloud switch server and connected device modules for managing connections and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connected devices are pre-configured to automatically connect to a given pre-defined network, then connection establishment is simplified and automatic, but the device is limited to communicate with only that given network and cannot switch to other networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud switch server as an intermediary between connected devices and multiple cloud networks. The cloud switch server receives switching requests from connected devices, evaluates multiple available clouds based on specified criteria (security, cost, latency, SLA), and directs the device to the most suitable cloud. This intermediary enables automatic connection management while providing adaptability across multiple networks, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
2Reliability
If connected devices are locked to a given pre-defined network, then configuration is simple and secure, but the device depends on the availability of that single network and cannot optimize based on different network characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection by continuously monitoring multiple cloud networks and their characteristics (security level, cost, communication latency, SLA). The cloud switch server dynamically evaluates available clouds against device requirements and switching criteria, enabling the device to adaptively switch between networks based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach maintains reliability through multiple backup options while providing optimization capability based on current network states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connected devices can connect to multiple networks with different characteristics, then adaptability and optimization are improved, but the complexity of managing connections and authentication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud switch server acts as a centralized management intermediary that handles all complexity associated with multi-network connections. It maintains authentication credentials, manages connection states, evaluates multiple clouds based on criteria, and handles switching logic. The connected device itself remains simple, issuing only high-level switching requests without needing to understand or manage the underlying complexity of multiple network connections, authentication mechanisms, or evaluation criteria.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is used for each network connection, then connection control is precise, but seamless configuration and automatic switching between networks is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic network switching through feedback mechanisms. The cloud switch server continuously monitors network characteristics (security, cost, latency, SLA) and device operational status, compares current performance against switching criteria and device requirements, and automatically initiates cloud switching when optimization opportunities are detected. This closed-loop feedback system enables seamless configuration and automatic switching without manual intervention, while maintaining precise control over switching decisions based on evaluated criteria.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for connecting a connected device to a secure network of interconnected computers, the method comprising: sending, by a processing unit of the connected device, to a cloud switch server, an activation request comprising first identification information enabling identification of the connected device; receiving, by the processing unit, from the cloud switch server, connection information enabling connecting the connected device to the secure network of interconnected computers; and establishing, by the processing unit, a connection between the connected device and the secure network of interconnected computers, utilizing the connection information.