Communication Device Relay for Ad Hoc Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ad hoc networks using short-range communication methods, such as NFC, restrict device connectivity to only those within a short communication range, preventing devices outside this range from connecting, which is a limitation for shared devices across multiple conference rooms.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a first communication unit that enables communication in a first range and relays information to devices outside a second range, using a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication area within a wireless LAN communication area to connect devices that are outside the BLE communication range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If short-range communication (e.g., NFC) is used for authentication to connect to ad hoc network, then network security is improved, but device connectivity is restricted to only devices within short communication range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay device as an intermediary that bridges the authentication phase and the data transmission phase. The relay device receives authentication information via short-range communication from a first device, then relays this information to a second device outside the short-range communication area through a different communication method (e.g., wireless LAN). This allows the system to maintain the security benefit of short-range authentication while enabling connectivity beyond the limited range, effectively resolving the contradiction between security and adaptability.
2Reliability
If authentication is performed through short-range communication, then communication range is limited to short distance, but this prevents devices outside the range from being used
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device serves as a mediator that separates the authentication process from the data communication process. It receives authentication credentials through secure short-range communication, validates them, and then establishes connections for data transmission using longer-range communication methods. This allows devices outside the short-range area to access the network through the relay device, improving ease of operation while maintaining authentication security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication process into distinct phases: authentication phase (using short-range communication for security) and data transmission phase (using longer-range communication for accessibility). The relay device manages this segmentation by handling authentication separately from data relay, allowing each phase to use the most appropriate communication method for its requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes: a first communication unit that performs communication with another communication device using a first communication scheme that enables communication in a first range. The first communication unit performs, when having determined that the other communication device received transmitted certain information, communication with the other communication device in a second range that is different from the first range and in which the other communication device is capable of receiving the certain information. The communication device relays communication from the other communication device to another device disposed outside the second range.