Data Card Ethernet Mapping for Driverless Internet Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data cards require a lengthy driver installation process, which slows down the initial setup and internet access, often necessitating OS restarts and taking several minutes to complete.
Innovation Solution
The data card employs an Ethernet interface protocol to map itself into an internet access device, allowing direct internet access without installing a driver, by reporting a device descriptor compliant with Ethernet interface protocols and using pre-stored or user-entered dial-up information to connect to the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the data card uses conventional driver installation process, then the device can be properly recognized and configured by the host, but the setup time becomes excessively long (1-5 minutes or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The data card pre-configures itself with necessary network parameters and interface descriptors before being connected to the host. The device descriptor is pre-programmed to match Ethernet interface protocols, and dial-up information is pre-stored, eliminating the need for post-connection driver installation and configuration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The data card implements multiple interface protocols (USB and Ethernet) within a single device, allowing it to function both as a storage device and an Internet access device. This multi-functionality enables the card to be universally recognized by hosts without requiring protocol-specific driver installation.
2Ease of operation
If the data card maps into a storage device initially, then the host can recognize the device, but additional software installation is required to enable Internet access functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The data card dynamically switches its device mapping identity based on the host's needs and the inserted SIM card. It can present itself as a storage device, an Internet access device, or both simultaneously. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for separate driver installations for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines storage functionality and Internet access functionality into a single unified device interface. The data card integrates both storage device descriptors and Internet access device descriptors, allowing the host to access both functions through a single device mapping without requiring separate software installations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated driver and PC client software are installed, then the data card can provide specialized services (dial-up, traffic statistics, messaging), but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires OS restarts
Solution Approach 1:
The data card provides self-service by automatically configuring its own interface descriptors and network parameters. When a SIM card is inserted, the card autonomously retrieves dial-up information and configures its Ethernet interface, eliminating the need for manual driver installation and PC client software setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an Ethernet interface protocol as an intermediary layer between the host and the data card's modem functionality. This intermediary protocol allows standard Ethernet-compatible hosts to access specialized services without requiring vendor-specific driver installation, as the protocol handling is built into the data card itself.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a data card and a method for Internet access of the data card. The method for Internet access of the data card includes: after the data card is connected to a host, mapping the data card into an Internet access device by using an Ethernet interface protocol; obtaining, by the data card, dial-up information, and dialing by using the dial-up information to request to connect to a network; and performing, by the Internet access device, communication between the host and the network. By using the technical solutions provided by embodiments of the present invention, fast Internet access may be implemented without installing a driver.